ASSESSMENT OF THE RELEVANCE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF BIOLOGY IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS USING EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA AS A CASE STUDY

ABSTRACT

The use of ICTs in Nigeria and African countries generally is increasing and dramatically growing. However, while there is a great deal of knowledge about how ICTs are being used in developed countries, there is not much information on how ICTs are being used by teachers in developing countries. This study assessed the relevance of ICT in the teaching and learning of Biology in secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area. Descriptive survey research design was used to collect data through questionnaires and short test questions. From a sample of 100 participants who are Biology students in SS 1, data were obtained and analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The results showed that there is high level of availability of ICT resources for teaching and learning Biology in private schools than in public schools. Also, students in private schools performed academically better in the use of ICT in learning Biology than the students in public schools. Based on these findings, the following recommendations were made; Government as key stakeholders in ownership of public schools should provide adequate funding specifically for the acquisition of ICT learning tools in public schools; biology teachers in public and private schools should be encouraged to undergo intensive training on the use of ICT in teaching Biology; good spirited individuals should also assist the government in funding the purchase of ICT tools for public schools and school management in private and public schools must understand the need to integrate ICT into learning activity and not just only for administrative purposes.