THE EFFECTS OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY USAGE ON STUDENTS IN THE EAST MAMPRUSI DISTRICT OF NORTHERN REGION,GHANA

Abstract

The study examined the effects of ICT usage on the academic performance of students in the East Mamprusi District (EMD) of Northern Region, Ghana. It sought to establish the availability and access to ICT tools, pattern of use, students’ level of competence as well ashowICT use affects their studies. The survey method was used to sample the views of 292 respondents selected from four schools including two Senior High Schools and two Colleges of Education and Health in the district. The respondents comprised Students, Teachers, Parents and internet café attendants. The study found that, students had restricted access to ICT tools due to the limited number of ICT tools in school. Students used ICT mainly for acquiring ICT skills, communication and entertainment purposes. Student had basic knowledge in ICT competence. However, there was no significant impact of ICT usage on students in the EMD. Boys were found to be more competent and used ICT for entertainment and communication purposes while girls were found to be less competent in ICT but used it more for academic purposes. Students faced numerous challenges including lack of internet connectivity, poor electricity supply among others. Based on the findings the researcher recommends that, government, educators and all stakeholders in the education sector should collaborate to improve on availability and access to ICT tools in SHS and Colleges in the EMD and Ghana in general.