AVAILABILITY OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND THEIR ACCESSORIES FOR EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF COMPUTER SCIENCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
The importance of computer in the teaching and the learning process cannot be over-emphasized; computer as a veritable tool and the bedrock of information and communication technology (ICT) has influenced the
teaching and learning of computer positively. Effective teaching/learning of
computer studies depend greatly on the extent of availability of computer
systems and their accessories (Aneke, 2005) Journal of educational research 3.
(1). 42-43.
The computer is an integral part of ICT. It is a
technology that has made the world a global village. It has revolutionalized
responds to specific sets of instruction in a well-defined manner even in the education aspect.
The computer uses multi-electronic resources to collect,
process, store, retrieve transmit and disseminate information all aspects of
human endeavor. The introduction of a computer into the educational system has
had an obvious impact on the curriculum. Computers are useful in teaching and
learning because of implications of reality, it makes the work easier. For
example, computers are used in making classifications and understanding of complex
concepts in different subjects. Computer help students learn better by
enhancing their learning environment and increasing learning resources. Ochoy
and Ukwumenu (2011), maintained that computers have the capacity to produce higher
interactive potentials for users to develop individual intellectual and
creative ability.
The evolution of microcomputers in the classroom had
been influenced by many factors. Candau, Santos, and Sanchez (2013) observed
that teachers are the critical link in achieving effective computer technology
integration in schools. Many teachers agree that the use of computer technology
enhances teaching and learning when computer systems are available while the
uses of Computer-Based Instruction (CBI) is prolific in most teachers with regards
to their perception and the roles they should play as they cope with this
emergent technology. Wabala (2012), Fakeye (2011) stressed that beginners and
experienced teachers can benefit from the role that computers play; beginners
can access a wealth of teaching resources while old teachers can share their
knowledge with those who seek it.
The need for availability and utilization of
computer resources in the teaching and learning situation are on the increase.
Computer literacy is skills needed in the 21st Century classrooms
and outside the classroom. It goes beyond reading computer books, e-books and
pamphlets, and even online library materials. According to Aneke, accessories
are those devices which are useful and helpful to the operation of the computer. Examples
of computer accessories are a keyboard, scanner, printer, mouse, joystick,
projector, gamepad, microphone, remotes, speakers, desktop, among others these
accessories add additional functions to the computer, the projector has replaced the
position of chalkboard and teachers now have the ability to share notes
digitally. The uses of computer in schools also led to the expansion of the virtual
school program that all students should access their educational remotely.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
There is many challenges that hinder the process of
using a computer in the classroom. However, when effectively used computers have
a dramatic effect on teachers and learners as concluded by (Reid & Rushton,
2011). Where computers are not used effectively they do not add value to
teaching and learning. The role played by the computer in the teaching of computer
science in secondary schools is not obvious. Candau, Santus & Sanchez
(2013), observes that teachers are the critical link in achieving effective
computer technology integration in schools. Positive teacher attitude encourages
the use of computers while a negative one hinders their use in the teaching and
learning environment. The researcher, therefore, sought to reveal whether it is
worthwhile using computers in teaching and learning of computer science where
they are available and accessible to teachers and learners.
For the purpose of this work, the researcher has put
few questions to enable her to set information on the course of the investigation.
Why are there fewer computer systems in the computer
laboratories in schools? Why is it that the accessories are not available to
teachers and learners in schools? Do teachers and learners use computer
systems/accessories for teaching and learning of computer science in secondary
schools in Etinan Local Government Area?
1.3 Purpose of the Study
The main purpose of this study is to examine the
availability of computer systems and their accessories in the teaching and
learning of computer studies in Etinan Local Government Area.
Specifically, the study sought to assess the extent
of:
i. Availability
of computer systems and their accessories in the teaching and learning of
computer studies in secondary schools in Etinan Local Government Area.
1.4 Significance of the Study
The study will be significant in the following ways;
i. to
the educators and stakeholders in realizing that the availability of computer
systems and their accessories lead to academic excellence as a means of
instructional delivery.
ii. to
other researchers as it will serve as reference material in similar research
in other Local Government Areas.
iii. to
computer studies teachers in educating them on the use of computer systems and
their accessories in teaching.
1.5 Research Questions
The following research questions are
set to guide the study;
i. To
what extent are computer systems and their accessories available in the teaching of
computer studies in secondary schools in Etinan Local Government Area?
ii. To
what extent has computer systems and their accessories been utilized in the
learning of computer studies in Etinan Local Government Area?
1.6 Limitation of the Study
In
the course of the research, several problems were encountered;
i.
Finance:
lack of funds to purchase necessary materials for the study and high cost of
transportation in getting to sampled schools constituted some hindrance.
ii.
Transportation:
due to bad roads, the researcher was unable to reach out to many schools in the
area.
iii.
Weather:
due to the prevailing rainy season, the researcher was unable to reach out to
many schools.
1.7 Delimitation of the Study
The study was restricted to the availability of computer systems and their
accessories in the teaching and learning of computer studies in secondary
schools in Etinan Local Government Area. But owing to the inadequacy of finance,
whether and transport challenges only a few public secondary schools were
selected.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
Some concepts come with different
meanings when used in various contexts and in this study; it is expedient to
operationally define some concepts as applied, so as to avoid misconceptions.
Computer: this is the electronic device that accepts data as
an input, store and process them electronically to produce the desired output
or information with the aid of a set of instructions.
Computer system: this is a programmable machine which response to a specific set of instruction in a well-defined manner.
Accessories: are those devices which are useful, helpful to the
operation of the computer.
Teaching: this is the concerted sharing of knowledge and
experience which is usually organized within a discipline.
Learning: this is the act of Acquiring now or modifying and
reinforcing existing knowledge, behavior, skills, values or preferences which
may lead to potential changes.
Computer Teacher:
any teacher that teaches computer
studies in secondary school.
Utilization: This is the process of using something especially
for a practical purpose.
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