ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) ON EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) ON EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
 
Abstract
Information and communications technology (ICT) has recorded a remarkable development in recent years. This development is affecting educational development across the globe in various ways. It has also made Nigerian government to formulate policies on IT. Accordingly the study was conducted to assess the effects of ICT on educational development with reference to senior secondary schools in Kaduna state. Nigerian government through its policies intends to integrate and streamline the country to the main stream of global ICT. The process includes the integration of schools and students to enable them meet the required minimum standard in the ICT age. The study inquired about the students‟ knowledge of the ICT, its usage, and how it affects their academic activities and performance. The study used Primary source of data, while qualitative and quantitative instruments were used to present and analyse the data. Modernization theory was used to guide the study. Among the findings of the study was that, both urban and rural students are virtually the same in terms of knowledge and usage of ICT, whereby, more than 80% of them have the knowledge and are using it. The study recommends among others that, „A careful plan should be made by the state ministry of education in collaboration with the schools‟ authorities to systematically devise a means of guidance and control of students‟ attitude towards ICT. This is to make their inclination to it more productive to their academic and attitudinal aspects. This can be done by introducing certain changes and innovations in the schools‟ curriculum that can be attractive and easy to comprehend by the students, that is capable of satisfying their desire for fun and at the same time will enhance their academic capabilities and their mind-set.
 
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1.  Background to the Study
Recent development in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has resulted in tremendous progress in the area of communication and information dissemination, which contributed in making the world more interactive. This made transactions to emerge between people who may never meet. Also, the ICT is inexpensive and accessible easily throughout the global. Certainly, this permits instantaneous personal dialogue and communication between people around the world.