USING IN - SERVICE TRAINING TO IMPROVE TEACHERS’ SKILLS TOWARDS THE USE OF ICT TO TEACH AT ST PETER’S JHS, TAMALE

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to empirically investigate the attitude of teachers at St Peter’s JHS towards the use of ICT, to explain these attitudes and to capture what teachers think can be done to improve their attitudes towards the use of ICT for teaching and learning processes. Using purposive sampling techniques, a sample of 14 was selected. The study takes the form of a survey that makes use of an open ended questionnaire for data collection. The resulting data are analyzed using SPSS version 21, to obtain F values, P values, and degree of freedom, and post hoc analysis is performed using the Turkey test. Furthermore, the technique of content analysis is deployed to analyse the open-ended questionnaire items. The results indicate that teachers at St Peter’s JHS have positive attitudes towards the use of ICT. They also showed that teachers perceive ICT as being very productive in teaching and learning, and as making the process easier. However, many respondents feel that technical support resources are lacking in the schools, school management do not view ICT as a priority, and sufficient ICT training has not been provided, leading to teachers' lack of expertise in using ICT, all of which are prominent factors hindering teachers' readiness and confidence in using new technology in teaching/learning process. For the consistent use of ICT by teachers, it is recommended among other priorities that teacher training and professional development oriented policies should support ICT-related teaching models that encourage students to play an active role in learning activities. In addition, emphasis must be placed on the pedagogy underpinning the use of ICTs in the teaching and learning process. It is hoped that results of this study can be used in shaping innovative practices in the Ghana Educational System.