Availability and Usage of Computers in Public and Private Secondary Schools

Availability and Usage of Computers in Public and Private Secondary Schools 

ABSTRACT 

This study was designed to examine availability and usage of computers in public and private secondary schools in Nsit Atai Local Government Area. Two research questions were formulated to guide the study. Survey research design was adopted for the study.

A sample of 188 students were selected from 3 public and 3 private secondary schools in the study area using simple random sampling technique. Checklist was used as instrument for data collection. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using frequency counts and simple percentage.

The result of the analysis revealed that computers are available in both public and private secondary schools in Nsit Atai Local Government Area but they have not been effectively utilized for teaching and learning in public secondary schools compared to private schools in the study area. It was therefore recommended among others that computer science teachers should constantly make use of computers in the teaching-learning process to facilitate students’ understanding of the lesson.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   Background to the Study

In recent times, the world has witnessed a rapid increase in technological advancement, and this is made possible by the introduction of computer. Computer is an electronic device that is capable of accepting data (raw facts) process the data, store and give out result to the user (operator).

It has become one of the basic building blocks of modern society. At present, computer technology has permeated all areas of human organization.

So much has been written on it and its relatedness to all areas of human disciplines which include computer and information technology, engineering, agriculture among others. It is an indispensable aspect of human concept which transformed one from manual way of life to a more sophisticated, advanced and science oriented knowledge applied in our daily undertaking for fast and effective learning.

However, the availability and use of computer in schools today is very important and it is fast growing development in education. Through advancement in computer programming, a new dimension has been brought to play where electronic learning resources such as mobile phone, digital photographs, maps, scanned historical documents, animated video demonstration, electronic books among others are applied to handle and manipulate all sorts of ideas and information in almost all walks of life, ranging from business through various profession and instructors to government.

Consequently, there is no doubt that computer has become incorporated into our school system. Computer, internet, telephone, projector, broadcasting technological tools like television, radio among others are used not only as a means of helping schools analyze data but also a pervasive tools for effective teaching and learning.

According to Kalu (2003) the availability and use of computer in secondary schools can help to improve the quality of teaching and learning. The unique role of computer in enhancing the quality education is unquestionable giving the fact that it can motivate students to learn so they become independent and responsible for their learning.

In addition, many schools have incorporated interactive computer assisted instruction into their programme to provide students opportunities to master specific educational objective or standard. Computer programmes have been able to create computer assisted instruction program to increase study learning by effecting cognitive processes and increase motivation. It has become a tool to reshape knowledge delivery and enhance both teachers and students’ activities in the classroom.

It has been found that computer and other Information Communication and Technology (ICT) devices are grossly inadequate in schools for effective application of ICT to the teaching – learning process.

There is no gain saying the fact that if the available ones are effectively utilized by both the learners and the teacher, it will not only enhance individualized instruction but will go a long way in improving the teaching and learning process. It is therefore, hoped that the assessment of the impact posed by availability and effective utilization of computer on students’ academic performance will contribute significantly in this respect.

1.2   Statement of the Problem

For sometimes now the teaching and learning of computer in schools have increasingly become more challenging as a result of inadequate teaching-learning facilities. Many educators and stakeholder in the education sector have viewed with serious concern the performance of students in public and private secondary schools.

Many researchers and educationists attributed the trend to the non-challant attitude of students toward studies and the laissez-faire attitude of parents towards the educational pursuit of their wards. Worried by this ugly development, government, corporate bodies and well-meaning individuals have made concerted efforts to stimulate students’ interest in learning, improve the performance and to make sure that the past glory of our educational system returns.

These efforts have been in the area of providing basic teaching and learning materials, school infrastructural development, recruitment of qualified and competent teaches among others. All these efforts notwithstanding, the output has remained nothing to write home about.

Moreover, most educators and researchers are of the opinion that with the introduction of computer to the teaching – learning process in schools, it situation will be overturned and the desired result would be achieved in view of the potential of computers in ensuring individualized instruction while believing that the incidence of students’ failure in examination will be a thing of the past.

It is against this background that the researcher is motivated to conduct a study on availability and uses of computers of students in public and private secondary schools in Nsit Atai Local Government Area.

1.3   Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of the study was to examine the availability and usage of computers in public and private secondary schools in Nsit Atai Local Government Area. Specifically, the study sought to:

1. Examine if computers are available in public and private secondary schools in Nsit Atai Local Government Area.
2. Find out if the available computers have been utilized for effective teaching and learning in public and private secondary schools in Nsit Atai Local Government Area.

1.4   Significance of the Study

This research work will be of great value to the students, teachers and school administration, government and researchers in the following ways:

1. The study will enable schools to make computers available as a teaching-learning approach and familiarize the students on how to use the device.
2. It will enable the students to appreciate the use of computer and other ICT resources in learning and later in life.

iii.     It will be of immense value to would be teachers to have a prior knowledge of computer before using it.

1. It will also enable the parents to take their initiative in providing their wards with computers in order to help them improve their academic performance.
2. To educational administrators, planners and other educational bodies involved in the training processes, the findings will help them to know the value of computer and apply same in the curriculum for effective teaching and learning in school.
3. Lastly the study will serve as a source of referee materials for prospective researcher who may wish to undertake a study in this regard.

1.5   Research Questions

The following research questions were formulated to guide the study:

1. To what extent are computers available in public and private secondary schools in Nsit Atai Local Government Area?
2. To what extent are the available computers been utilized in public and private secondary schools in Nsit Atai Local Government Area?

1.6   Limitations of the Study

Limitations are bound to occur in a study of this magnitude. The major limitation encountered in the study were lack of funds to execute the work to a wider extent, insufficient research materials for the review of related literature, timeframe for the completion of the research work and researcher’s academic workload.

1.7   Delimitation of the Study

The study was restricted to availability and use of computers of students in public and private secondary schools in Nsit Atai Local Government Area.

1.8   Definition of Terms

The following terms used in the study were defined by the researcher as shown below:

Computer: This is an electronic device that is capable of accepting data, processing data, store and give out the results or output according to the order and command of the users or operator.

Availability: This is the extent to which computers are present in schools for use.

Usage: This is the way in which computers are used in schools for a particular purpose.

Public School: This is the type of school owned, controlled, financed and managed by the government.

Private school: This is the type of school owned, financed, and managed by a private individuals and cooperate bodies.