Effect of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on gender and Achievement of Students in Basic Science and Technology at Junior Secondary School Level

Abstract

This stud investigated the effects of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on gender and achievement of students in basic science and technology> at junior secondary> school level. Three research question and three hypotheses were formulated for the study. A quasi-experiments design using the test, post-test control group method was employed for the study. The study involved J. S. S II basic science and technology students using two intact classes in two independent groups. The population is 920 basic science and technology students in the six junior secondary school in Bosso Local Government Area. The sample consists of 90junior secondary school basic science and technology students in two intact classes drawn from two selected junior secondary schools in Bosso Local Government Area. Random sampling technique was used to select the two schools in the study area. The two schools were randomly assigned to treatment and control schools. Data for the study was collected using the researchers developed instrument called basic science and technology achievement test (BSTAT) and basic science and technology psychomotor achievement test (BSTPAT) mean and standard deviation was used to answer the three research questions while analysis of covariance was used to test the null hypotheses at. 05 level of probability. The findings of the study reveal that there is significant difference in the mean score of students when taught basic science and technology using Conventional Teaching Method (CTM), with those taught with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) performing better. It was recommended among others that the study found out, among others, that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is more effective than Conventional Teaching Method (CTM) in improving students achievement in basic science and technology. There was an effect of gender on students cognitive achievement, however, gender had significant effect on students psychomotor achievement favouring males. The study recommended among others that ICT should be adopted in the teaching/learning of basic science and technology in junior secondary schools.