COMPUTER AWARENESS AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS STUDENT IN UDU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

ABSTRACT

This study examines the level of computer awareness and academic performance of senior secondary school students in Udu Local Government Area. The research examined the relationship between computer awareness and academic performance, factors that affects students knowledge on computers and students perception towards the importance of computer literacy for academic success. The study employed descriptive survey research design. The Data collection involved administering questionnaires to 200 secondary school students in Udu Local Government Area. To determine the validity of the instrument, the instruments were validated by three experts which were the researchers’ supervisor and two lecturers from the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Technology in the University of Benin. The reliability was computed through the use of Cronbach's Alpha statistics, with a reliability coefficient of 0.820 which indicated that the instrument was reliable. The findings, interpreted using mean and standard deviation tables, reveals that the secondary school students in Udu Local Government Area acknowledge the importance of computer operations and understanding of hardware components, Students perceive computer positivity in their academic performances and students with high computer awareness tend to perform better academically. Although there is mixed perception regarding whether computers directly improves grades or makes learning easier. Recommendation included schools placing higher emphasis on teaching internet safety, capitalising on the benefits students see in using computers for their studies, teaching students practical computer skills and providing students with additional resources and supports