Abstract

 The purpose of this study was to investigate information technology and its impact on students’ academic achievement in secondary schools in Buea sub-division. The population of the study (five thousand six hundred and twenty-five students) comprised of students from G.B.H.S. Muea and G.H.S. Bomaka. Random sampling techniques were used to select students to answer the questionnaire which helped the researcher to come out with these findings were as follows. Most secondary schools have information have information technological devices such as computer and internet which has contributed to their academic achievement. Some students understand when they use television in learning. The researcher also went ahead to make some recommendation and suggestion for further research.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Of Study

Traditional materials were the most commonly used by students to succeed in the first half 20th century, but with the rapid technological advancement in the world, the use of information technology was introduced by the second half of the 20th century. The acquisition of knowledge using information technology (IT) devices is very important in Cameroon schools and because of this, students have employed a variety of ways of studying which facilitates their understanding.

Tambo (2003) states that, Cameroon classroom tend to be bear in terms of teaching aids or teaching materials, teachers were found in classrooms rushing through with explanation of complicated concepts expecting students to understand netter because there no other teaching materials to break down complex concepts to simple concepts such as information technology (media) .. But today some teachers make use of some modern teaching materials such as media during the teaching process. Everything being equal, students make use of information technology (IT) now in the learning process which greatly influences their academic achievement in examinations.

It is on this background that this will highlight the impact of information technology on students’ academic success (achievement) in secondary schools in Buea municipality.

The use of technology was introduced by the second half of the 20th century in schools (GREENHILL, 1955). The introduction of information technology in schools led to great change in the teaching and learning process. From the researcher’s knowledge of educational technology, she discovers that the use of information technology (media) in the teaching and learning process has many advantages. These advantages include the following:

• They facilitate the teaching and learning process.
• They are good materials that can be used by learners in discovery learning.
• They facilitate distance education.
• They help improve in the students’ performance and can help students best understand how he/she can manipulate the media where ever he or she needs to use them.

According to Lefranςois (1998) teaching is the process of imparting knowledge, skills, attitudes and values. It is on this grounds that this study will show the impact of information technology or instructional materials in the teaching and learning process.

1.2 Statement Of The Problem

Education being a pillar of human development and the best thing that the government can offer to its citizens and parents to their children, yet there have been a lot of problems. Some these problems are as a result of the use of teaching learning aids (tele aids) as well as the inadequacy of information and communication technological devices. In the ages, teachers and students were using materials such as charts, chalk boards, and text books in learning. These materials are still used today in the teaching and learning process.

Bearing this in mind, the concept of inadequate teaching – learning and traditional materials have brought forth the introduction of information technological devices such as internet, television, computer, cell phone and networking (hardware and software), video conferencing. This is as a result of technological advancement in education this is why this piece of work is out to investigate how the use of information technology devices will affect the academic achievement of students in secondary schools in Buea municipality.

Information technological devices are very important tools in the education of students. These devices should be valid so that the problems of individual differences is solved, using a specific device may tend to have a particular implication on the way a student learns over the years, teachers and students have been materials like chalkboards, charts, textbooks, pamphlets, yet the academic performance (achievement) have not been very encouraging.

1.3 Purpose Of The Study  

1.3.1 Main Objective

The purpose of the study is to find out how the use of information technology devices has an effect or influence students’ academic achievement. It equally aims to investigate.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

1. The various types of information technological devices used in the acquisition of knowledge, skills and attitudes or used in the teaching – learning process.
2. Find out how the use of internet, cellular phones, computers, affect the academic achievement of students.

1.4 Research Questions

1.4.1 General Research Question

Which are the various types of information technological devices used by students in the learning process and why some students do not use them when studying?

1.4.2 Specific Research Question

1. How dos the use of television affect students of secondary schools’ academic performance?
2. How does computer affect student academic achievement?
3. How does the use of internet affect students’ academic achievement in secondary schools?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

Ha: there is a significant difference between the academic achievements of students who use information technological devices and those who do not use them.

Ho: there is no significant difference between the academic to those who do not use them.