Challenges of integrating ict in teaching and learning in three selected senior high schools in prang district, bono east region, Ghana

Abstract

The use of ICT has impacted to some extent on almost every facet of our daily activities be it health, education, sports etc. Children of today grow up with an array of technology, both at home and at school. Educators and governments have also devoted huge resources to the provision of technology in the learning environment. Despite the increase in ICT tools in Ghanaian Senior High schools, most of the schools seem to be teaching ICT literacy instead of a complete integration of the ICT tools in the curriculum to enhance the teaching and learning process. The author of this study therefore, unravelled the challenges of ICT integration in selected Senior High Schools in the Prang District, Bono East Region. Positivist paradigm was adopted for the study. Cross-sectional survey design was employed. The study population comprised all SHS teachers in the Prang District of Bono East Region of Ghana. The target population consists all public SHS teachers in the Prang District of Bono East Region of Ghana whilst the accessible population consisted all teachers in Abeaseman Community Day SHS, Prang SHS and Yeji SHS. Multistage sampling techniques were employed to select one hundred and seventeen teachers for the study. Structured questionnaire was the instrument used in gathering data. Cronbach alpha formula was employed to ascertain the reliability of the instrument. Data were analyzed using SPSS by using frequency charts, frequency counts, and simple percentages. It was found that barriers hindering the integration of ICT in the schools were lack of teacher training and inadequate ICT facilities. It was also found that the teachers‟ are capable of performing basic tasks using the computer and also exhibit positive attitudes toward it but the lack of ICT facilities was their major problem. It is suggested that ICT infrastructure should be provided to the Senior High Schools in Prang District for effective teaching and learning process since it is the basic stage of equipping the youth with the necessary skills and knowledge for national development. In addition, within Senior High Schools in Prang District should be given the necessary training in ICT tools usage so that they become familiar with contemporary pedagogy of imparting knowledge and skills, and possibly become part of curriculum structure for their professional training.