IMPACT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN THE TEACHING OF SCIENCE

ABSTRACT

The study was carried out to examine availability and utilization of instructional materials in teaching basic science in secondary schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State. Three research question was raised to guided this study. Survey research design was used the correlational approach was adopted for this study. The population of this study consisted of all the students in University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. . The simple random sampling technique was used in selecting the students, so that every respondent is given an equal chance of being selected. The sample of the study consists of 120 respondents from five faculties. A total number of 20 samples will be gotten from each faculty. The instrument for the study was a question on “availability and utilization of instructional materials in teaching basic science in secondary schools in Ovia north east local government area, Edo State.” To ensure the reliability of the instrument, the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient was used in and a co-efficient value of 0.89 was obtained. The data collected were analyzed using PPMC statistics. Findings from the study revealed that;The majority of secondary schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State, have limited availability of instructional materials for teaching basic science. Teachers' attitudes towards technology and their confidence in using new technologies also play a significant role in influencing their utilization of instructional materials. The limited availability and utilization of instructional materials in teaching basic science in secondary schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State, have a significant impact on teaching and learning. Based on the findings of this research study, the following recommendations were made;There should be provision of adequate funding for the procurement of science textbooks, laboratory equipment, and other instructional materials by theEdo State government should.There should be prioritization of the allocation of resources to support science education, including the provision of adequate space and infrastructure for science laboratories by School administrators.There should be teachers training on the effective use of instructional materials to enhance student learning outcomes.