A SURVEY OF THE USE OF ICT IN BUSINESS EDUCATION PROGRAMME

ABSTRACT

This survey examined how adequately Information Communication Technology (ICT) facilities were available, and how competently students and staff use them in their teaching and learning Business Education in University of Benin, Benin City. The research made use of both soft and hard copies of several research articles to formulate the final opinion. Primary sources of data were generated from students of Business Education of the University. Three research questions guided the study. A 23-item structured questionnaire validated by the University’s appointed experts was administered on 50 out of 100 business education students of the University. Data analyzed using mean and standard deviation revealed that the use of ICT tools like: smart-phones, computers, flash-drives, projectors, fax machines, and others - in Business Education Programme in the University - had advanced. But factors like inadequacy of the facilities, general poverty and poor power supply seriously militated against their utilisation. Most students had not enjoyed the study flexibilities and independence which ICT provides; they still rely on traditional or conventional textbook knowledge and lecturer-led class verbalization. It was recommended that Government, and other stakeholders should invest and ensure availability of adequate, updated and upgraded ICT facilities; ensure environments conducive for their thriving; train and retrain lecturer on proper use, management and maintenance of them. Parents should provide the students with personal ICT resources. These will help for the production of competent ICT business education graduates who are ready for self-employment and favourably compete globally with their equals.