Information And Communication Technology Facilities Research Articles

The pedagogical implications of information and communication technology on adult education: a case study of the osun state colleges of education, Nigeria

It is known that teaching entails systematic presentation of facts, ideas, skills, and techniques to students; therefore, the introduction of technology into adult learning means more than just making it works. This research work therefore seeks to find out the pedagogical implication of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on Adult Education in Osun State College of Education, Nigeria. One hundred (100) lecturers and one hundred (100) students of Osun State College of Education were used for the study. The instruments used for this study are questionnaires, drawn up based on the research questions. Results revealed that most of ICT facilities for teaching and learning are not available and that the attitude of lecturers and students towards the use of ICT in teaching and learning is good and positive. In addition, lecturers are also aware of the importance of using ICT in teaching and learning. Results also showed that the funding and supply of ICT facilities to departments are insufficient. From the results, the study recommended among others, that government should endeavour to supply necessary funds for the acquisition of relevant ICT equipments. In-service computer training should be given to all the staff including the management. Finally, the department should give individual students access to the use of 1C1 equipment.Key words: Pedagogy, Adult Education, Andragogy

Training in the use of information and communication technology and its impact on searching skills among research officers in the council for scientific and industrial

This study looked at training in the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and its impact on searching skills among research officers in six selected institutes of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana. The libraries of the various institutes are responsible for providing training for research officers in ICT skills. The objective was to determine the extent of ICT training provided to the research officers, the level of skills acquired, and impact of the training on searching skills. Data was collected through the use of a questionnaire and interviews. The findings of the study revealed that the research officers were given training in the use of computers, the Internet, and databases. It also showed that generally, the level of skills acquired in the use of ICT was high. The research further revealed that the use of ICT enhanced work performance of the research officers. The basic conclusion of this study is that training in the use of ICT facilities among research officers has impacted positively on their searching skills.

Re-Positioning Librarianship Education And Practice For ICT Challenges In Nigerian University Libraries

This paper examined issues concerning the need to reposition librarianship to enable university libraries in Nigeria cope with challenges that Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) may pose. Two hundred Librarians who attended the 2006 annual conference of the Nigerian Library Association in Abuja participated in the study. Researchers’- designed ICT Awareness Questionnaire of 22 questions was used to obtain information from the respondents. Means score and Standard Deviation statistic was used to analyse the data. The study revealed that: many library staff lacked ICT skills required for effective performance of jobs; librarianship curriculum was not comprehensive enough to facilitate the acquisition of ICT skills by Library Science students; adequate/appropriate ICT facilities were not available in many Nigerian libraries. The paper thus recommended the inclusion of more ICT courses in Library Science curriculum; library personnel should be trained and re-trained regularly on ICT skills; ICT learning infrastructural facilities including guided tour of ICT installations and application should be adequately provided for Library Science students.

Assessment Of The Frequency Of Ict Tools Usage By Agricultural Extension Agents In Imo State, Nigeria

In recent times, information and communication technology (ICT) has become relevant in the Nigerian agricultural sector. The extension service requires ICT for effective information delivery. This study examines the frequency of ICT tools usage by agricultural extension agents in Imo State, Nigeria. Data for the study was collected from 57 randomly selectedextension agents. Data analysis was by the use of frequency, percentages, mean and t-test. Findings of the study revealed that only mobile phone and computer were frequently used by respondents. The overall mean of 0.89 suggests that ICT tools were not frequently used for extension services and this has grave implications for agricultural development. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made: there should be adequate provision of computers for all the extension agents. Adequate provision should be made for the maintenance of the ICT facilities and systems. That provision should be made in providing training programme for the extension agents in order to update their knowledge on the latest and new information technology. Government to establish policy programme as means of bridging our digital divide, creating digital opportunity for various users ofextension services in the country. ICT enabled extension service must be able to define it’s key stakeholders and audience and jointly determine their needs.

Problems and Prospects of Information and Communication Technologies Application in Agriculture in Nigeria.

Information and communication technology (ICT) has become a veritable tool being used to solve agricultural related problems ranging from site selection to sale of farm produces in many parts of the world. In Nigeria, the application of ICT in farm enterprises is not widespread. This research was designed to assess the prospects and problems/factors limiting the awareness and usage of ICT in Nigerian agriculture. Also, it identified and described the available ICT technologies in Nigeria. Primary data were obtained from the respondents through the use of structured questionnaire. The information collected was analyzed by the use of descriptive statistics and multiple regression technique. Results of the analysis showed that the educated respondents were more aware and made use of ICTs than those with out formal education at 5% level of probability. The major problems identified with regards to the usage of ICTs by the respondents include poor access to ICT facilities, low sensitization on available ICTs, poor source of power supply and high cost of software and hardware. It was therefore recommended that government and NGOs should collaborate to improve sensitization drive, to not only increase awareness but also to encourage application, improve on power supply, provide accessible network at cheaper price, translate technology to local languages and more training on ICT usage in the agroindustry.The Information Manager Vol. 8 (1) 2008: pp. 7-16

Information And Communication Technology (Ict) As A Tool For Health Education Curriculum Implementation In Nigeria

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) consist of the newest innovation in the world of telecommunication systems. It is highly efficient, communicative, interactive and a powerful educational system. This paper is of the position that ICT can be useful in the process of implementing the several components of the health education curriculum within the school setting. However, the efficacy of employing ICT systems in health education instructional process may be seemingly difficult if the basic challenges of IT are not addressed. These challenges were enumerated and include poor installation of ICT related facilities, irregular electricity/power supply and poor maintenance culture. In order to contain these challenges, the authors suggested that proper installation, handling and storage of ICT facilities including wireless components must be well organized and coordinated, teachers and students should show interest and benefit from using ICT facilities; where electricity is not available, alternative source of power must be provided early enough by teachers and students, the school management and the host community. If ICT is properly employed in the school environment, health education teachers and students can work more efficiently. Thus better productivity, communication, research and the actualization of health education curriculum objectives are assured.Global Journal for Educational Research Vol. 6 (1&2) 2007: pp. 11-14

An assessment of the preparedness of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) students for use of information and communication technology in professional practice

The increasing need for Chartered Accountants to use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for professional work makes it especially important for Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) students to be well versed in ICT before they qualify as Chartered Accountants. This paper reported on a study carried out to assess the state of preparedness of students at different stages of the ICAN qualifying examinations in major tuition centres in Ibadan, Nigeria using ICT in professional practice. The results showed that though ICAN students generally had favourable attitudes towards ICT use, most felt that their current ICAN training was not adequately preparing them for ICT use in professional practice. A major barrier observed was the lack of appropriate ICT equipment at the tuition centres. ICAN students needed to appreciate and learn how to use ICT as working tools before going into professional practice. The current ICAN Syllabus is deficient in preparing students for using ICT in professional practice. It is recommended that practical ICT examinations be integrated into the ICAN curriculum so as to ensure that tuition centres make ICT facilities available for practical training of students. The Information Technologist Vol. 5 (1) 2008: pp. 19-41

Effectiveness Of Information And Communication Technology (Ict) Utilization Among Extension Agents

The study ascertained effectiveness of information and communication technology (ICT) utilization among extension agents in owerri Agricultural Zone Of Imo State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 57 randomly selected respondents with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that extension agents were less effective in the utilization of information and communication technologies in Imo State, Nigeria. Based on the findings of the study it is recommended that there should be provision of adequate and sufficient fund to the agricultural agencies to obtained these ICT facilities and use it for other related activities. ICT-enabled extension service must be able to define it\'s key stakeholders and audience and jointly determine their needs. Apart from an ICT policy friend environment, government should introduce education, public service radio and TV channels with private sector support. Keywords : effectiveness, information and communication technology, utilization extension agents Global Approaches to Extension Practice Vol. 3 (2) 2007: pp. 146-151

The Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Agricultural and Rural Transformation in Delta State.

Agricultural and rural transformations are key development strategies for Delta State in particular and Nigeria in general. This is because Nigeria has a vast rural community with broadly unsophisticated agricultural base. Therefore, to transform Agriculture and rural development from this state of un-sophistication and backwardness, there is the need to meet up with farmers production needs which vary from one locality to another. This implies that if the rural community must not be left behind in the effort to creating a knowledgeable society in which ICT becomes the key to socio-economic development, there is the need now, to bridge the gap in the digital divide in information technology aimed at building capacity of rural dwellers to enhance Agricultural and rural transformation. The study examined the use of information and communication technology in Agricultural and rural transformation in Delta State. The stratified sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents who are made up of extension agents of the Agricultural Development programme (ADP), Agricultural staff of the state ministry of Agriculture and those of the Agricultural unit of sampled local government councils. All the respondents from the three Agricultural zones of the state were studied, using questionnaire designed to elicit information. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, means and percentages were adopted in analysing data. Finding revealed that ICT is a veritable tool and requirement for agricultural and rural transformation even though it is not widely accessed by farmers in these communities. It was recommended that information communication technology facilities be made available in most rural localities in the state such as internet facilities, overhead projector, video cameras, etc and the Agricultural extension staff should be properly trained in this area to be able to train farmers using ICT facilities. African Research Review Vol. 1 (3) 2007: pp. 1-8

Challenges to women's empowerment through ICTs: the case of Makerere University

abstract Access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is believed to hold a promise for women's empowerment and social change (Isaacs, 2002; Hawkins, 2002; Aloo, 1995). In higher education, computer technology and the internet have enormous benefits including: access to cutting edge educational materials, flexible distance learning suitable to time-constrained women, enhancement of academic outcomes, promotion of self-esteem and attainment of marketable skills. This profile examines challenges of using ICTs in higher education for women's empowerment through training and access to physical facilities. It is based on an empirical study conducted in the 2005/6 academic year at Makerere University in Uganda. The results indicate that enrolment of women in ICT courses has risen from about 15% to 40% by the end of 2006, and there is increased use of internet, email, networking and research. However, there are challenges of empowering women through access to ICTs. Obstacles largely emanate from patriarchal, institutionalised work and programmatic ethics, limited physical ICT facilities as well as individual characteristics, perceptions and attitudes. We conclude that skills and physical access alone are insufficient to bring about women's empowerment.

Development of CAI Presentations for Science Teaching and Overview of Research Findings

Research suggests that information and communication technologies (ICT) used in the form of computer assisted instruction (CAI) may benefit student learning. There is, however, limited research about the application of CAI in non-Western educational contexts. Here I describe the use of CAI in the learning of science in India. Evaluation of student learning by quantitative and qualitative means suggests that CAI has led to enhanced learning for a variety of science topics in this educational setting. I also reflect on issues germane to the Indian context and provide guidelines for the use of CAI in science instruction in countries for which ICT facilities in schools are somewhat compromised.

Health Information Systems (HIS), the internet and telemedicine in the delivery of health care in Uganda

Recent advances in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and the capability of these ICT facilities to process, store, retrieve and disseminate data and information is dramatically changing the ways in which the health sector operates. In order to bring about improvement in the performance of the health sector in a developing country like Uganda, there is need to have access to appropriate and timely information on all aspects of health. This can only be achieved if there is an efficient and well functioning health information system (HIS) based on the new ICT. This paper explains and highlights some of the roles that HIS, including the Internet and telemedicine, can play in the delivery of health care as well as initiatives being undertaken to promote access to Internet-based information resources needed to carry out effective healthcare services in Uganda. University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal Vol. 7(1) 2005: 20-31

ICT in History Education— Scotland and Europe

Advances in the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in history teaching and an increase in the deployment of ICT for history teaching and learning have been reflected in all European countries, albeit with varying degrees of success. Developments in the university and school sectors are characterized by a growing integration of specific ICT facilities and tools. The growing importance of ICT in history teaching and learning has been fostered by national government investment and a variety of cross-Europe support initiatives; however, research indicates that its potential has yet to be fully realized. Research into the impact of ICT on teaching and learning in Scottish schools shows a similarly patchy picture to that in other European countries; however, the evaluation of a series of CD-ROMs confirms the arguments of history educators that effective history software must problematize the past, so helping pupils develop their research and thinking skills.

Teacher workload: using ICT to release time to teach

Teacher workload has been a recurrent concern in education in England and Wales for a number of years. One possible solution that has been put forward is the greater use of information and communications technology (ICT). In the spring of 2002, the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) launched a 1‐year initiative called the Transforming School Workforce (TSW) Pathfinder Project, and this was evaluated by a team from the University of Birmingham. One of the ways of reducing teachers' workload envisaged by the DfES was increased use of ICT. The data presented in this article comes from the aforementioned evaluation and concerns teachers changing perceptions of, access to, issues relating to training in, and use of ICT, and their beliefs concerning the use of ICT. Overall, teachers believed the TSW Project helped to reduce workload, making them more productive as teachers. Changes likely to have contributed to this included: far greater access to ICT facilities both in terms of hardware at home, and sole access at school; increased daily use of ICT by teachers; an increase in teachers' confidence in the use of ICT and changes in teachers' views on the quality of ICT training (although their satisfaction with training received was still not high).

Evaluating ICT Implementations within the Romanian Business Environment

The impact of Internet services in the economic field is huge and has generated new forms of performing typical activities in the new e-way: e-commerce,e-banking, and so on. The paper focuses on the impact of these electronic facilities and, more generally, of ICT (information and communication technology) facilities, upon the activity of some Romanian firms, mainly small and medium enterprises. We sustain our statements by administering and analyzing a questionnaire which enabled us to perform a quantitative and qualitative study in the field we concentrated on. We can generally conclude that Internet services and IT facilities emerge as a new and dynamic way of being profitable on the Romanian market and of building up the “global e-economy”.

Assessing computer skills in Tanzanian medical students: an elective experience

BackgroundOne estimate suggests that by 2010 more than 30% of a physician's time will be spent using information technology tools. The aim of this study is to assess the information and communication technologies (ICT) skills of medical students in Tanzania. We also report a pilot intervention of peer mentoring training in ICT by medical students from the UK tutoring students in Tanzania.MethodsDesign: Cross sectional study and pilot intervention study. Participants: Fourth year medical students (n = 92) attending Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Main outcome measures: Self-reported assessment of competence on ICT-related topics and ability to perform specific ICT tasks. Further information related to frequency of computer use (hours per week), years of computer use, reasons for use and access to computers. Skills at specific tasks were reassessed for 12 students following 4 to 6 hours of peer mentoring training.ResultsThe highest levels of competence in generic ICT areas were for email, Internet and file management. For other skills such as word processing most respondents reported low levels of competence. The abilities to perform specific ICT skills were low – less than 60% of the participants were able to perform the core specific skills assessed. A period of approximately 5 hours of peer mentoring training produced an approximate doubling of competence scores for these skills.ConclusionOur study has found a low level of ability to use ICT facilities among medical students in a leading university in sub-Saharan Africa. A pilot scheme utilising UK elective students to tutor basic skills showed potential. Attention is required to develop interventions that can improve ICT skills, as well as computer access, in order to bridge the digital divide.

The impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on the management practices of Malaysian Smart Schools

The impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on the management practices in the Malaysian Smart Schools was investigated. The analysis revealed that the impact has resulted in changes that include the enrichment of the ICT culture among students and teachers, more efficient student and teacher administration, better accessibility to information and a higher utilisation of school resources. This analysis also revealed that time constraints, higher administrative costs, negative acceptance/support from some untrained staff, abuse of the ICT facilities and problems related to the imposed rigid procedural requirements are among the challenges encountered by the schools.

Information and communication technologies in library and information science education in Kenya

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have become central to education and training in Library and Information Science/Service (LIS) because of the great influence of these technologies on the professional world. This study on Kenya is part of a larger doctoral research project that aims to map and audit the types, nature and diffusion of ICTs in LIS education and training programmes in Africa. The findings indicate that all LIS schools in Kenya have embraced the use of ICTs, but there are major variations in terms of application. All but one LIS School offers a wide range of relevant ICT courses, many of them as core modules. However, not all of them offer, or are able to offer, practical hands-on experience for their students. In teaching and learning, only a few LIS schools use ICTs to deliver lectures, the majority still favouring age-old methods of face-to-face classroom teaching. In research, the lack of ICT facilities has resulted in partial and minimal use of ICTs, especially since academic staff have to pay (individually, from private funds) to access the Internet. For the same reasons electronic publishing of research results on the Internet is low. In terms of academic administration, most LIS schools have computerised but most activities still are conducted offline due to networking inadequacies. The study recommends that Kenyan LIS schools should increase the use of ICTs in teaching and learning to foster greater effectiveness. Kenyan LIS schools should strive to provide online and distance education in order to open more learning opportunities for the nation.

Relevance and Priorities of ICT for Women in Rural Communities: A Case Study from Nigeria

Relevance and Priorities of ICT for Women in Rural Communities: A Case Study from Nigeria

Tradition or transformation? An evaluation of ICTs in Metro Manila schools

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) usage in education falls into three board categories: ICTs as objects under study, ICTs as support tools, and ICTs as catalysts for transformation. The researcher's goal was to determine and evaluate the status of ICT resources in Metro Manila schools. Specifically, the researcher wanted to determine the goals that educators had for using ICTs, whether schools had the necessary ICT facilities to reach these goals, whether actual usage was consistent with these goals, and whether there were differences between public and private schools' responses. Using a mail-in questionnaire and follow-up interviews, the researcher determined that schools, a few primary schools and many secondary schools said they espoused emerging or transformative uses of ICTs. However, Metro Manila students' access to computers, peripherals, and the Internet was poor. Software selections were also generally limited to productivity tools. As such, ICTs were actually primarily used to teach computer literacy and programming. Private schools were better equipped than public schools, but ICT usage was similarly limited.