The Status Of The Integration Of Technology Into Junior High School Science Teaching In Wa Municipality
Authors: - Osman Froko Zakaria , - Mohammed Issah , - Prof John K. Eminam 
Published: July 2024

The study employed descriptive survey research design. According to Smith et al. (2002) the main purpose of a descriptive survey design is to obtain information from a defined set of people so as to generalize the sample results to the population. This survey study sought to explore ‟the status of the integration of ICT in the teaching of integrated science in selected Junior High schools in the Wa Municipality”. A sample size of 96 respondents were purposely selected to provide information regarding their perception and views on the use of ICT to facilitate teaching of integrated science in the Wa municipality through a questionnaire. Also interview schedule were used to support information obtained through questionnaire and to increase reliability of the findings. The key objectives of this study were: to explore teachers’ perceptions on the benefits of using ICT in teaching, to explore the barriers that hinder teachers from using ICT to facilitate teaching and to identify the factors that determine the use of ICT to facilitate teaching. Teachers’ attitude, teacher confidence and competence, unlimited access to ICT resources and facilities and lack of technical support, inadequate ICT infrastructure on ICT and lack of professional development were identified as the barriers hindering teachers to use ICT to facilitate teaching in junior high schools. On examining the factors determining the use of ICT in teaching integrated science in selected junior high schools in the Wa municipality, the study identified the following factors: - teachers’ positive attitude, teachers’ competence in ICT use, accessibility of ICT facilities, professional development and availability of technical support. The findings of the study established that Junior High school teachers teaching integrated science in the Wa municipality are qualified to teach in the Junior schools. The results show that there is a positive perception of science teachers in integrating ICT in teaching. Majority of teachers integrate ICT in their instructional practice with varied challenges. The study also identified a generation gap amongst teachers’ junior teachers demonstrating much interest of learning how to and integrating ICT in teaching as compared to senior teachers, the study reveals there is a digital divide- the gap between schools who have access to ICT facilities and those who do not, which makes a huge difference in the use of ICT in teaching among schools. The study was concluded based on the barriers that hinder using of ICT in teaching and learning can be eliminated. For successful integration of ICT in teaching, the determining factors must be given consideration. The study recommends that teachers should develop positive attitude towards ICT, teachers should be trained on how to use ICT in teaching and not only on the general use of ICT tools. The study also recommends that schools authorities should empower teachers by facilitating in-service training, provide enough ICT facilities. The Ministry of education needs to give more funds to establish at least minimum ICT facilities to enable the school to have these infrastructures for teaching.