ICT AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF PRIVATE PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS.
CHAPTER 1:
Introduction
Information
Communication Technology according to Unagha (2006) encompasses computer and
telecommunication. It is concerned with the technology used in handling,
acquiring, processing, storing and dissemination of information. Similarly,
Oxford Advanced Learners‘Dictionary sees ICT as electronic media used in processing,
analyzing, storing and sending out information. Evey et al (2010) observed that
ICT is innovative device that can carry out such functions as receiving,
storing, computing, analyzing, transmitting and retrieving information
presented to them and allowing for one-to-one or copyright group communication among humans. Obashoro (2007)
identified ICT infrastructure to include multi-media CD-ROMs, MP3 players,
websites, discussion boards, emails, computer-aided assessments, learning
management software, blogs, etc. In the same vein, Folorunso, Longe and Ijere
(2003) identified ICT infrastructure to include internet, World Wide Web (www),
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Networks
(WAN), Protocols, Content Management and Meta Data Standard (MDS).
1.1
Background of the Study
Improving the quality of education
is a priority for most developing countries. Policymakers usually agree that
such improvements could lead to structural shifts in productivity and boost long-term
economic growth. Governments face the challenge of identifying efficient ways
to use their scarce resources and raise the quality of education. The provision
of information and communications technology (ICT) to schools and its use for
educational purposes can increase student achievement in at least two ways.
First, the availability of ICT in the classroom shifts the level of educational
inputs and could thus affect students’ learning outcomes. Second, exposure to
ICT may increase the cognitive abilities of students, allowing them to learn
faster. Computer-aided instruction may be more relevant in a context in which
teacher quality is poor, which is the case in most developing countries. Previous
studies have shown that programs that provide computer-aided mathematics instruction
can positively influence students’ test scores for example, Barrow et al.
(2009) found that an instructional computer program for pre-algebra and algebra
in the United States had a positive effect on test scores (about 0.17 of a standard
deviation). Similarly, Banerjee et al. (2005) found that computer-assisted
mathematics instruction raised mathematics scores of fourth-grade students in
Vadodara, India (at least in the short run). Other studies have found little or
no effect. Using credible identification strategies, Leuven et al. (2007),
Goolsbee and Guryan (2006), Angrist and Lavy (2002), and Rouse and Krueger (2004)
found no evidence that the use of computers and software had a positive impact
on student achievement. Additional research is needed to understand the
circumstances under which the provision of ICT can have a positive impact on
student learning outcomes. The research therefore seek to provide an appraisal
of ict and academic performance of private primary school pupils
1.2
Statement of the Problem
According to a United Nations report
(1999) ICTs cover Internet service provision, telecommunications equipment and
services, information technology equipment and services, media and
broadcasting, libraries and documentation centres, commercial information
providers, network-based information services,
and other
related information and communication activities. According to UNESCO (2002)
information and communication technology (ICT) may be regarded as the
combination of ‘Informatics technology’ with other related technology,
specifically communication technology. The various kinds of ICT products
available and having relevance to education, such as teleconferencing, email,
audio conferencing, television lessons, radio broadcasts, interactive radio
counseling, interactive voice response system, audiocassettes and CD ROMs etc
have been used in education for different purposes (Sharma, 2003; Sanyal, 2001;
Bhattacharya and Sharma, 2007)..
The field of education has been
affected by ICTs, which have undoubtedly affected teaching, learning, and
research (Yusuf, 2005). A great deal of research has proven the benefits to the
quality of education (Al-Ansari, 2006). ICTs have the potential to innovate,
accelerate, enrich, and deepen skills, to motivate and engage students, to help
relate school experience to work practices, create economic viability for
tomorrow's workers, as well as strengthening teaching and helping schools
change (Davis and Tearle, 1999; Lemke and Coughlin, 1998; cited by Yusuf, 2005)
There are many forces and factors that
pose as challenges and problems to
Inhibit effective diffusion of ICTs in private
primary schools
(Tella, 2007) identified difficulty in motivating
faculty, inadequate equipment, lack of
ICT policy, poor attitude of staff, inadequate computers, and problem of
connectivity to off-campus students. Some inhibitors identified for investigation
at Uniport by Okorie, Agabi and Uche (2005, p. 33) included lack of computer or
ICT centre, inadequate facilities/equipment at the ICT centre, irregular power
supply, Information
Communication Technologies in the management of Education, absence of alternative source of power
supply, lack of computer knowledge, expensive nature of ICT facilities, and lack
of willpower by management to embrace ICT-revolution. Consequently the problem confronting this research is to investigate Ict and academic
performance of primary school pupils.
1.3
Objective of the Study
To
provide an appraisal of Ict and academic performance of primary school pupils.
1.4
Research Questions
1
What is the nature of ICT?
2 What is the impact of ICT on academic
performance of primary school pupil.
1.5
Significance of the Study
To
provide an assessment of the impact of ICT on the academic performance of
primary school pupil.
1.6
Statement of Hypothesis
Ho ICT has no significant impact on academic
performance of primary school pupil.
Hi ICT has significant impact on the academic
performance of primary school pupil.
1.7
Scope of the Study
The research focuses on the appraisal of ICT
and academic performance of primary school pupil.
1.8
Definition of Terms
MIS DEFINED
MIS implies both the technique, the
process, as well as the structure concerned with systemic, accurate and speedy
organization and control of relevant signals, data or messages from the
different parts and environment of an activity unit, through appropriate
collection, editing, analysis, display, storage and retrieval of signals or messages
in manners that would be useful for management decision-making
ICT DEFINED
According to a United Nations report (1999)
ICTs cover Internet service provision, telecommunications equipment and
services, information technology equipment and services, media and
broadcasting, libraries and documentation centres, commercial information
providers, network-based information services,
Academic Performance
All students are required to maintain a
satisfactory academic record and meet the obligations of the courses in which
they are enrolled. Failure to do so will be dealt with as the Faculty and its
designated Boards shall determine. In all cases, midyear grades in full year
courses will be considered along with all other grades in the calculations for
minimum requirements and satisfactory records.
Minimum Requirements
To meet the minimum academic requirements in
any term, a student may have at most one failing grade, which may not be
accompanied by another unsatisfactory grade; and at least two satisfactory
grades, one of which must be a letter grade in an FAS course taken for degree
credit (or in a course taken by cross-registration and counted toward
concentration or UTEP requirements). A student who fails to meet the minimum
requirements ordinarily will be required to withdraw for two terms, whether or
not his or her previous record was unsatisfactory.
Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory Academic
Records
The requirements for a satisfactory academic
record are satisfactory grades in all courses, and at least one letter grade in
an FAS course taken for degree credit (or in a course taken by
cross-registration and counted toward concentration or UTEP requirements).
However for freshmen in their first term, an academic record will be considered
satisfactory if all grades are passing, at most one grade is unsatisfactory,
and at least one grade is a satisfactory letter grade. A student whose record
is unsatisfactory is ordinarily placed on probation. A student with two
consecutive unsatisfactory records ordinarily will be required to withdraw for
two terms.
Exclusion from a Course
A student who neglects any course may, after
written warning by the instructor, be excluded from the course by the
instructor with the approval of the Administrative Board. The warning should
specify the steps the student must take in order to be allowed to continue in
the course. Exclusion from a course is equivalent in all respects to failing it
and in and of itself makes the student’s record for the term unsatisfactory. A
notation of EXLD (excluded) on the transcript indicates that the student was
not permitted to continue in the course and received no credit. A student may
not withdraw from a course from which he or she has been excluded. Students
excluded from a course are denied any right to further course evaluation,
including final and makeup examinations.
Submission of Written Work
Students are responsible for ensuring that
required written course work is submitted and received on time. Written work
should not be left in open mailboxes or other unattended places but rather
given personally and directly to the head of the course or to a responsible
person acting on his or her behalf. Papers that are mailed to instructors
should be sent by certified mail, and a receipt of delivery should be requested
from the Postal Service. The student should keep both the postal receipt and a
copy of the paper. If work is submitted electronically, students are
responsible for confirming receipt.