AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) RESOURCES

ABSTRACT

This study examined the availability of Information Communication Technology (ICT) resources and its influence in teaching Christian Religious Studies in junior secondary schools in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. Five research questions were raised to guide the study, including: what is the level of availability of ICT resources for teaching Christian Religious Studies in Junior Secondary Schools; how are ICT resources being utilized in the teaching of Christian Religious Studies in Junior Secondary Schools; what are the perceptions and attitudes of teachers towards the use of ICT in Christian Religious Studies; what influence does the use of ICT resources have on teachers’ engagement and learning outcomes in Christian Religious Studies; and what are the challenges and barriers to the effective integration of ICT in teaching Christian Religious Studies in Junior Secondary Schools. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was made up of one hundred and forty-four (144) Junior secondary school teachers in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. From this population, a total of one hundred and eighteen (118) teachers was adopted as the study’s sample. A questionnaire was constructed and utilised for data collection. The obtained data were analysed using frequency counts, simple percentages, mean and standard deviation. The findings of the study revealed that: the level of availability of ICT resources for teaching Christian Religious Studies in Junior Secondary Schools is low; ICT resources are not effectively being utilized in the teaching of Christian Religious Studies in Junior Secondary Schools; teachers have a positive perceptions and attitudes towards the use of ICT in Christian Religious Studies; the use of ICT resources have a major influence on teachers’ engagement and learning outcomes in Christian Religious Studies; and the major challenge to the effective integration of ICT in teaching Christian Religious Studies in Junior Secondary Schools is lack of ICT infrastructure, such as computers and internet access. Therefore, it was recommended that: there is a critical need to enhance the availability of ICT resources within these educational settings; targeted professional development programs should be instituted, focusing on the integration of ICT in teaching methodologies; a collaborative platform be established where teachers can share best practices, innovative ideas, and success stories related to the use of ICT in teaching Christian Religious Studies; and ICT should be integrated into the curriculum design and assessment strategies of Christian Religious Studies. The study concluded by emphasizing the importance of continued investment in ICT to enhance and improve the delivery and teaching of CRS.