THE ROLE OF ICT TOOLS IN EDUCATIONAL DELIVERY: A STUDY WITHIN THE TAMALE METROPOLIS.

Abstract

Technologies can improve educational delivery in schools. This study examined the role of ICT tools in lessons in thirty (30) public basic schools in the Tamale Metropolis. Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) Theory anchored the study. The study as a mixed method, adopted cross-sectional design. Simple random, cluster and purposive sampling were used to select a sample size of 398 to participate in the study. Questionnaires were used for the quantitative data and semi-structured interview guide were used for the qualitative data. The quantitative data were analysed using SPSS and presented in frequencies and percentages whilst the qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The study revealed that ICT tools had positive impact on lesson delivery, but with the limited tools in the study area, this impact was achieved due to limited ICT tools. Also, teachers were challenged with skills of integration. The study concluded that, ICT tools were inadequate in the public basic schools for all students to access. However, majority of the teachers showed that they had knowledge on ICT tools. Finally, the study revealed how these tools had a positive impact on teaching and learning and the improvement of student understanding, motivation of student learning and a positive influence for improving school attendance. The study recommended improved government’s policy commitment in the provision of basic schools with ICT tools, offering laptops for teachers on hire purchase bases, regular training of teachers in ICT integration skills and connecting the public basic schools to the national grid for effective ICT integration for quality education delivery were suggested.