1.1 Introduction
Effective teaching is considered as a mystery by some authors (Goldhaber, 2002). Effective teachers have knowledge, prepare and manage instruction, promote learning and help students grow so they can learn independently. The major concern of the study is to explore the importance of information, communication and technology (ICT) in effective teaching and learning of integrated science area in Warri-South Local Government, which has about 100 ICT teachers.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Today, everybody goes about with this Technology as virtually every sectors- Banking, Education, Military, Health etc have keyed into the use of ICT for effective functioning (Esan, 1998). In other words, ICT has become a veritable instrument for Education, Economic and Technological development in this dispensation (Eya, 2000). Through teaching and learning ICT has equipped one to participate in rapidly changing world where work and leisure activities are increasingly transformed (Robinson, 1994).
The development of manpower in Nigeria will be incomplete if it fails to address the use of information and communication technology (ICT) with emphasis on computer Technology. The world is fast becoming a global village as a result of developments in information and communication Technology. The key instrument in these globalization through the concept of ICT is the computer (Kalu and Ekueme, 2003).
A school of thought defines computer as a set of devices designed to work together to accomplish input, processing and output functions in order to accomplish tasks desired by a user (Robtyer, 2003).
The use of ICT in teaching and learning involves improve access to internet services and provision of step sequences in learning process (Edafiogho, 2007). One of the relevance of the study is that it will help to develop the mends of the teachers and students towards the effective teaching and learning of integrated sciences in junior secondary schools.
Realizing that there was no recent research work and perhaps any recent document to show the use of ICT in secondary schools particularly in the teaching and learning of integrated science as the junior secondary school level in the schools in Warri-South local Government area, the researcher therefore intends to carry out a survey research on the relevance of information and communication Technology (ICT) for effective teaching and learning of integrated science.
Therefore, in Warri-South Local Government where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Relevance of Information and Communication Technology in Effective Teaching and Learning of Integrated Science in Junior Secondary School (JSS).
1.3 Statement of the Problems
Considering the role and objectives of information communication Technology (ICT) in manpower building, in teaching and learning in the classrooms, most especially, some secondary schools in the area under study are still unaware of the full use of ICT. This may be due to a large number of factors, such as poor awareness campaign on the significant of ICT, unstable power supply in most areas, low level of investment on ICT educational programme, attitude of the users, huge efforts and time spent on ICT facilities, high level of poverty and abscene of computer interaey personnel, among other factors.
Understanding the facts that schools, especially secondary schools serve as agent between the outside world and the immediate home whether local or urban. Therefore, it remains the best avenue through which the Technology of ICT could be transferred to the students as a means of effective teaching and learning especially in integrated science.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is investigate the relevance of information and communication technology (ICT) in effective teaching and learning of integrated science in JSS schools in Enugu, North local Government area. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To examine the ICT facilities adopted in the teaching and learning of integrated science as the junior secondary school level.
- To find out if ICT provides access to teaching aids for teaching and learning of integrated science.
- To find out if ICT provides proper management of large number of students in teaching and learning of integrated science.
- To investigate if ICT promotes independent studies among students in teaching learning of integrated science.
- To find out if ICT increases students performances in teaching and learning of integrated science.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Does ICT provide access to teaching aid for effective teaching and learning of integrated science?
- Does ICT promote independent studies among students in teaching and learning of integrated science in your school?
- Does ICT provide proper management of large number of students in teaching and learning of integrated science?
- Does ICT increases student’s performances in teaching and learning of integrated science?
