Investigation of the Availability and Utilization of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Facilities in Teaching and Learning in Senior Secondary Schools

Abstract
The utilization of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) facilities in teaching and learning within senior secondary schools is of paramount importance for the advancement of educational outcomes and the preparedness of students in the digital age. This research project investigates the availability and utilization of ICT facilities in senior secondary schools in Oshimili South Local Government, Delta State, Nigeria. Four research questions guided the study. The study adopted survey design. The population of the study comprised 100 teachers in the ten selected secondary schools. The instrument was validated by two experts. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean. The study further confirmed that the level of availability and extent of utilization of different ICT facilities for teaching purpose in secondary schools of the zone was very low. There were no differences in perception among teachers with different background, subject and grade levels to use ICT facilities for teaching purpose. Major challenges faced by schools which have contributed to limited provision and utilization of ICT facilities were; shortage of computers & absence of internet access, lack of finance, absence of training offered to teachers, lack computer laboratory rooms, absence of school based ICT policy, absence of qualified IT teachers and technical assistant. It was concluded that the school leaders, woreda, zone & region government had not fully supported ICT program to integrate ICT in teaching and learning purpose. It is recommended that, the schools administrative bodies, woreda, zone and regional government should supply necessary ICT facilities to schools. They should also provide technical support and training opportunities for principals, & teachers through workshop, in-service training etc.