Evaluation of ICT Competence among Secondary School Biology Teachers: Implication for the 21ST Century Teacher Educators

Abstract

The study assessed the ICT competencies of biology teachers in Calabar Metropolis.  The total population of 107 senior secondary school biology teachers in the 22 public schools formed the sample for the study. It was a census study.  A 34 item questionnaire titled “Biology Teachers Information and Communication Technology Competency Status” (BTICTCS) was developed, and used to collect data from the respondents.  The questionnaire had 5 sections.  The instrument was face and content validated by 2 lecturers in Tests and Measurement Department, University of Calabar.  The questionnaire was administered to 59 biology teachers seen on ground; 57 were returned and 53 (M=9; F=44) found useable. Four research questions guided the study.  The results showed that (1) 75.5% of biology teachers possessed high basic ICT competency skills (2) Only 13 (24.5%) possess the higher skills (3) only 13 (24%) show a high level of internet competency. (4) Less female biology teachers possess higher ICT or internet competencies. (5) There is very low (9 =16.98%) utilisation of computers in lesson delivery.  Based on the results it was recommended that (1) biology teachers be re trained and encouraged to promote computer/ICT based lessons. (2) Schools also are encouraged to obtain some of these software which can be purchased off the shelf. (3) Teachers should also be encouraged to sharpen their internet skills by surfing the internet.