Perception of Information and Communication Technology Utilization on Basic Science and Technology Teachers in Karu, Nasarawa State

Abstract

The paper investigated the perception of Information and Communication Technology utilization by Basic science and Technology teachers in Karu, Nasarawa State. The study sample consisted of 105 Basic science and Technology teachers purposefully selected from public owned middle and upper Basic education schools in Karu, an adjoining local government area and entry location to Abuja, Nigeria from Nasarawa State, carried out between October, 2023 and January, 2024. A researcher- made 30- item questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection, validated by experts and reliability coefficient of 0.73 estimated using Cronbach Alpha. Four research questions and two hypotheses tested at 0.05 alpha level of significance were formulated to guide the study. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation for the research questions and t-test for the hypotheses. Findings show that Basic science and Technology teachers expressed high (positive) perception of ICT utilization by recognizing its variegated usefulness, also highly aware of assorted nature of the impediments to the utilization of ICT tools and applications and their remedy. No statistically significant difference on gender, but a significant difference in perception of ICT utilization was found when varying levels of ICT training and professional development are brought to focus. Among the recommendations made include: development of a clear ICT integration plan into the curriculum and across schools, provision of adequate ICT infrastructure, resources and power supply, regular ongoing professional development opportunities for teachers and supportive school culture, encouragement of collaboration, equity and inclusiveness in teaching- learning approaches alongside instituting a mechanism to evaluate and monitor ICT utilization and integration.