Impact Factor (2025): 6.9
DOI Prefix: 10.47001/IRJIET
The integration of information and
communication technologies (ICT) into educational practices has gained
significant attention, with Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs) being a key
technological tool in enhancing teaching and learning processes. An IWB serves
either as a standalone touchscreen computer or a touchpad connected to a
computer and projector, serving as a modern alternative to traditional
blackboards and whiteboards. Despite the Nigerian government’s policy to
incorporate IWBs into secondary school classrooms, several barriers such as
inadequate infrastructure, unreliable power supply, limited internet
connectivity, insufficiently trained personnel, and inadequate funding have
hindered the successful implementation of this policy.
In the Nnewi Education
Zone of Anambra State, IWBs are underutilized, despite their potential to
improve educational outcomes in Computer Studies. This study aimed to
investigate the level of awareness and the extent of utilization of IWBs among
secondary school Computer Studies teachers in the region. The research
specifically sought to determine the relationship between teachers' awareness
and their usage of IWBs, and whether there were significant differences in
these variables across public and private secondary schools.
The study employed a
descriptive survey research design, targeting 20 Computer Studies teachers from
both private and public secondary schools in the Nnewi Education Zone. A
structured, closed-ended questionnaire was developed by the researcher to
collect data. The instrument’s reliability was established through Cronbach’s
Alpha. Four trained research assistants were involved in administering the
questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard
deviation, and weighted response average) to address the research questions,
and an independent samples t-test was conducted at the 0.05 level of
significance to test the hypothesis.
The results indicated
that while the majority of teachers demonstrated an awareness of the potential
advantages of IWBs in teaching and learning, the actual utilization of this
technology was minimal. Furthermore, no significant difference was found in the
levels of awareness and utilization of IWBs between teachers in public and
private schools. The study concluded that while teachers are cognizant of the
benefits of IWBs, the lack of practical application reflects a gap in training
and resource availability. The study recommends that targeted professional
development programs, including workshops and seminars, be organized to enhance
teachers' competencies in effectively integrating IWBs into their instructional
practices.
Country : Nigeria
IRJIET, Volume 9, Issue 3, March 2025 pp. 36-45