International Journal of Education and Development using ICT

International Journal of Education and Development using ICT > Vol. 6, No. 1 (2010)

Computer interest, approval and confidence of secondary school students in three selected local governments of Lagos State (Nigeria): Implications for global computerization

Olusegun Fatai Adebowale, Dept. of Educ. Founds and Couns., Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Nigeria.
Israel A. Adewale, Dept. of Local Government Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Nigeria.
Folasade M. Oyeniran, Dept. of Educational Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Nigeria.

Abstract
Nigerian secondary school graduates are not normally examined for their proficiency at computer and internet use but are repeatedly required to employ such skills in applying for certification and placement examinations. In 2005, in her bid to develop functional computer competencies among secondary school students as part of the global drive for computerization, the Nigerian Lagos state government equipped 40 secondary schools with microcomputer-fitted laboratories which were also connected to the Internet. Three years on, this study was designed to evaluate the computer characteristics possessed by the students with the aim of encouraging other state governments in the country and other countries of similar development status to take a cue and also to suggest ways of improvement. One hundred students were selected randomly from the Senior Secondary III classes of each of the six schools equipped with computers by the state government in three local government areas to participate in the study. The instrument used was designed to measure students’ interest, approval and confidence at using computers and were administered on the subjects by their ICT subject teachers. Data analyses were by using descriptive, t-test and ANOVA. The results showed that the students possessed high levels of interest, approval and confidence in the use of computer and its other concerns. Female students were found to develop more interest than their male counterparts, while on the basis of field of study, vocational students seem to excel in interest and approval. Students aged 19 to 21 seem to perform better in approval of computer and its concerns, but no age differences were found in interest and confidence.

Full Text: PDF

Research
Support Tool