The Relevance of ICT to 21st Century Secondary School Education cannot be Over-Emphasized - Mkpuma

Introduction

Information and communication technologies (ICT) are electronic technologies used for information storage and retrieval. Development is partly determined by the ability to establish a

synergistic interaction between technological innovation and human values. The rapid rate at which ICTs have evolved since the mid 20th century, the convergence and pervasiveness of ICTs, give them a strong role in development and globalization. ICTs have a significant impact on all areas of human activity.

The field of education has been affected by ICTs, which have undoubtedly affected teaching, learning, and research. A great deal of research has proven the benefits to the quality of education.

INTERVIEW SESSION WITH MR. MKPUMA OBINNA – LAGOOZ SCHOOLS ICT ADMINISTRATOR

Mr Mkpuma Obinna is the Manager of ICT Department of Lagooz. As a former student of Lagooz College, he is presently the Administrator of ICT section of Lagooz Schools. As an ICT expert, he spoke with Heritage Communications International on the relevance of ICT to 21^st Century secondary school education. Excerpts:

IS THERE A NEED FOR ICT APPLICATION IN NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS?

Yes, the need for ICT in Nigerian secondary schools cannot be over-emphasized. This is because we are in a technology-driven age, everyone needs ICT competence to survive. There is necessity in all establishments towards training and re-training their employees so as to increase their knowledge of computers and other ICT facilities, hence, the need for early acquisition of ICT skills by students.

WHAT ARE CAUSES OF LOW ICT APPLICATION IN NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS?

The shortage in the adoption and application of ICT in Nigerian secondary schools is linked to several factors such as;

• Poor information infrastructure
• Inadequate ICT facilities in schools
• Frequent electricity interruption
• High cost of ICT facilities

The above mentioned causes has been adequately tackled by Lagooz Schools, and as a result, won the “ICT-DRIVEN SECONDARY SCHOOL AWARD FOR THE YEAR”

WHY DOES NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS NEED ICT?

Computers perform a host of functions in teaching and learning as many nations are adding computer literacy, reading and writing literacy as skills students will need for succeeding in a technologically developed world. At the instructional level, computers are used by pupils to learn reading mathematics, social studies, art, music, simulation and health practices.

Nigerian secondary schools cannot afford to lag behind in using multimedia to raise the intellectual and creative resources of her citizens. This is particularly important for children whose adulthood will blossom in a cyber environment entirely different from that of the present.

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR OBSTACLES TO THE USE OF ICT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NIGERIA?

There are several impediments to the successful use of information and communication technology in secondary schools in Nigeria. They include;

• Cost
• Weak infrastructure
• Lack of skills
• Lack of relevant software
• Limited access to the internet
• Prospects