Examine Information Technology Utilization for Effective Business Teacher Education programme: A case study of University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
According to Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), Information technology is “the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer – based information systems, particularly software”.
The relevance of information technology has impacted tremendously on all aspects of human existence and career in general, and the business teacher education programme in particular.
However, in the mid 20th century, the roles of information technology and its utilization increased immeasurably as a result of social progress and the development of science and technology. Arguably, the pace of changes brought by these new technologies has had a significant effect, on the way people live, work” learn, interact and play world – wide. These new and emerging technologies have challenged the traditional process of teaching arid learning, and the way education programme are managed.
Information technology as an important area of study in its own right, is having a major impact across all curriculum area’s especially business education programme Easy Communication provides access to a vast array of data challenging assimilation, increased access to and usage of information technology in the home, at work and in education establishment could mean that learning and education become a truly life long’ activity – ail activity in which the pace of technological change forces constant evaluation of learning process itself.
Computer network exists to provide computer users with the means, of communicating and transferring information electronically. The use of Internet has revolutionized access to information for the business world, libraries, education and individuals. A few of the most popular information technology includes: Electronic mail (E-mail), World Wide Web (WWW), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Usenet and telnet. The Internet and its technology continues to have a profound effect in promoting the, sharing of information and knowledge, especially in the academic world. Learning resource centers and most universities are now connected to the Internet. These technologies have the potential to develop and thus increase students access and participations. On this note, information technology provides access to mainstream materials and enables students and teachers to express their thoughts in, words designs. and activities, despite their disabilities (Osuwa, 2002).
Statement of Problem
The application and utilization of information technology is on the increase in developed countries, especially in their educational system. It is quite different in this part of the world owing to the low level of awareness in science and technology. Information literacy is related to information technology skills, though, it has broader implication’s for individuals education systems and the whole society. Information technology skills enable educators, teacher and even students to use computers, software applications and other technologies to achieve a wide variety of academic programme.
Actually, in all of these, educators and business education teachers/students in Nigerian Universities in general and University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State in particular are facing difficult and crucial challenges in the process of application and utilization of information technology in solving academic problems. These problems are started thus: little or no investment in information technologies by most universities in their educational, programmes, inadequate or lack of ‘training of Manpower, lack of awareness of the availability of information technology and it’s ability to solve almost all academic problems by business education students. Another most important challenge is the high .cost involved in acquisition, application and utilization of information technology. This has hindered the effective learning and transfer of knowledge in the educational system, especially that of the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. This research is therefore conducted to ascertain the extent of the utilization of information technology in its business teacher education programme.
Purpose of the Study
The following can be identified as the specific purposes of the study:
- i) To appraise the role of information technology’ in the educational system, especially that of University of Uyo.
(ii) To properly examine the level, of awareness of lectures and students in the faculty of education, about the existence of information technology and its application.
(iii) To ascertain the extent of utilization of information technology in business teachers education programmes.
(iv) To identify the challenges faced by business education students in the application and utilization of information technology
(v) To explore possible measures of improving awareness in the utilization of information technology in the department of Business Education University of Uyo.
Significance of the Study
The study will contribute significantly in achieving the following:
(i) Informing the University of Uyo community in general and .the stakeholders in the department of business education in particular about’ the existence of information, technology and it’s strategic roles/ benefits.
(ii) Enlightening the management of business education department of the need to acquire and install information sources, such as computer laboratories, Internet center and multi media center
(iii) By this study the student of Business education will fully appreciate and improve their interest in the .application of information technology in their study and research.
(iv) Stakeholders in the University of Uyo community will be specifically informed about the activities of government and non-government organization in providing and training of manpower to manage information technology.
(v) The findings of the study would be useful in educational policy formulation, hence the growth and development of the University system and programme.
Research Questions
