AN INVESTIGATION INTO LECTURERS' USE OF ICT TOOLS FOR TEACHING IN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN GHANA

Abstract

The integration of information and communication technology (ICT) tools in teaching and learning (T&L) processes has significantly transformed the global educational system. However, despite the efforts of governments worldwide to promote the use of advanced technologies in education, many teachers still struggle to effectively utilize available ICT tools. This issue is particularly prevalent in Colleges of Education (CoEs) in Ghana, where the full integration of ICT tools into T&L has not been achieved as anticipated. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the adoption and utilization of ICT tools by Ghanaian lecturers in CoEs.The research questions guiding this study were as follows: (RQ1) What ICT tools are used by Ghanaian lecturers in CoEs and how frequently are they being used? (RQ2) What purposes do lecturers employ ICT tools for in T&L? (RQ3) What are the reasons behind the lecturers' use of ICT tools for the identified purposes? To address these research questions, a comprehensive literature review was conducted, revealing a dearth of studies specifically examining the adoption of ICT tools in CoEs in Ghana. Therefore, this study fills the existing research gap by providing valuable insights into the ICT tools used by Ghanaian lecturers and the motivations behind their usage. The findings of this study have significant implications for educational policymakers, administrators, and lecturers in Ghana. By understanding the current practices and perceptions surrounding ICT tool adoption, stakeholders can develop targeted interventions to enhance the integration of ICT tools in CoEs, thereby fostering a more effective and engaging T&L environment. Additionally, this study contributes to the broader literature on ICT integration in education by providing a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by lecturers in a specific educational context.