Availability and frequence of use of instructional technologies in selected science colleges of education in Ghana

Abstract

This research was conducted to investigate the availability of instructional technologies in the science departments of selected science colleges of education and the usage of these technologies by tutors in lesson delivery. The target population comprised the 15 science and mathematics colleges of education in Ghana. The accessible population however consisted of four science colleges of education in the Volta and Eastern Regions of Ghana. Questionnaire, informal observation and interview schedules were used to collect data on instructional technologies available in the sampled colleges and how they were used in teaching. The findings indicated that electrically powered instructional technologies such as computers, LCD projectors and video recordings were in a very limited supply in the colleges while the use of these technologies in teaching by the tutors was also not encouraging. The non-electrically powered materials such as chalkboards, flip charts including locally available materials were commonly used by the tutors during lessons. It was concluded that the use of instructional technologies for science lessons was not going on as expected in the selected colleges of education. This was highly unsatisfactory since colleges of education are tertiary institutions. This apart, the teacher trainees are very likely to be influenced by the instructional approaches adopted by their tutors. Among the most notable recommendations for improvement and efficiency in the use of these materials by college tutors is the support that the college administration must give to the science departments by making available the technologies and the adaptation of maintenance culture in the colleges.