Problems and Prospects of Integrating ICT in Geography and Environmental Sciences.

Abstract

No doubt, the entire world is gaining momentum into digital media information. This is making Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) an important aspect of the development. Presently, geography and environmental sciences in Nigeria is experiencing a major transformation in terms of access, equity, and quality which is highly influenced by the integration of ICTs. In other words, the introduction of ICTs into the discipline has serious implications especially in dealing with the key issues of access, equity, management, efficiency, pedagogy and quality. The optimal utilization of opportunity arising from the integration of ICTs presents a serious challenge to the discipline of geography and environmental sciences especially in the areas of data collection, management and analysis. The concern of this paper, therefore, is the ways in which ICTs is integrated into the discipline, the attendant prospects, and the challenges posed by the integration. Literature search of information from articles from Google scholar, academia, libraries, etc. coupled with personal survey research using telephone interview are the major sources of information. Results reveal, that the field of study is experiencing a serious threat in spite of the introduction of ICTs. This results from the way in which the ICTs has been conceptualized into the field of study – ideas of positivist and empiricist science are embraced while geographical knowledge based on humanists and realist approaches to science have been neglected. However, it is suggested that especially in the area of data collection, a holistic approach should be considered. Tools that will enhance collection of data related to field of study should be developed and not just for a particular variable. Also, Government should properly fund ICTs research and provide institutions with up-to-date technologies for development and innovation, and teachers should ensure participation in training provided by institutions' management, self-enroll or access training on internet resources. Keywords: Education, Geography and Environmental Sciences, ICT