Impact Of Computer Usage On Academic Performance Of Student

Introduction

1.1 Background to the Study

Indeed, the world has witnessed a rapid increase in technological advancement, and this is made possible by the introduction of computer. Computer is an electronic device that is capable of accepting data (raw facts) process the data, store and give out result to the user (operator). Thus, it has become one of the basic building blocks of modern society.

Specifically, computer technology has permeated all areas of human organization. So much has been written on it and its relatedness to all areas of human disciplines which include computer and information technology, engineering, agriculture among others. It is an indispensable aspect of human concept which transformed one from manual way of life to a more sophisticated, advanced and science oriented knowledge applied in our daily undertaking for fast and effective learning.

However, the availability and use of computer in schools today is very important and it is fast growing development in education. Consequently, there is no doubt that computer has become incorporated into our school system. Furthermore, according to Kalu (2003) the availability and use of computer in secondary schools can help to improve the quality of teaching and learning.

The unique role of computer in enhancing the quality education is unquestionable giving the fact that it can motivate students to learn so they become independent and responsible for their learning. In addition, many schools have incorporated interactive computer assisted instruction into their programme to provide students opportunities to master specific educational objective or standard.

Computer programmes have been able to create computer assisted instruction program to increase study learning by effecting cognitive processes and increase motivation. It has become a tool to reshape knowledge delivery and enhance both teachers and students’ activities in the classroom.

Since student performance is mainly explained by a student’s characteristics, educational environment and teachers’ characteristics, the use of computers may have an impact on these determinants and consequently the outcome of education. The differences observed in the performances of students are thus more related to the differentiated impact of computer usage on the standard determinants.

The direct link between computer use and students’ achievement has been the focus of extensive literature during the last two decades. Several studies have tried to explain the role and the added value of the computer technologies in classrooms and on student’s achievement.

The first body of literature explored the impact of computer uses. Since the Internet revolution, there has been a shift in the literature that focuses more on the impact of online activities: use of Internet, use of educative online platforms, digital devices, use of blogs and wikis, etc.

Looking at the link between computer usage and student achievement seems nowadays a misunderstanding of the role and nature of these technologies. In fact, since computer is general purpose technology (GPT), it needs to be specified in order to meet the needs expressed by students and to be adapted to the local context and constraints (Antonelli, 2003; Youssef, 2008). A variety of models of usages can be identified leading to the same outcome. Computer usage brings widened possibilities for the learning processes that are independent from place and space. Computer usage also allows more flexible (asynchronous) and more personalized learning. It offers new methods of delivering subject at secondary education level. Taking advantage of these opportunities needs a profound change in the organization of the secondary education system.

1.2 Statement of Problem

For sometimes now the teaching and learning of computer in schools have increasingly become more challenging. Thus, as a result of inadequate teaching-learning facilities. Many educators and stakeholder in the education sector have viewed with serious concern the performance of students.

Many researchers and educationists attributed the trend to the non-challant attitude of students. Toward studies and the laissez-faire attitude of parents towards the educational pursuit of their wards.

The direct link between computer usage and students’ academic achievement has been the focus of extensive literature during the last two decades. Some of them help students with their learning by improving the communication between them and the instructors (Valasidou and Bousiou, 2005). Leuven et al. (2004) stated that there is no evidence for a relationship between increased educational use of computer and students’ academic achievement. In fact, they find a consistently negative and marginally significant relationship between computer usage and some student achievement measures. In support to these, some students may use computer usage to increase their leisure time and have less time to study. Online gaming and increased communication channels do not necessarily mean increased achievement. Based on all these, the researcher is examining the impact of computer usage on academic performance of student.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The study’s main goal is to examine the impact of computer usage on academic performance of student. The study specifically attempted to:

• Ascertain the extent of computer usage among students in secondary school students in Ikwo Local Government Area.
• Determine whether there is a positive correlation between computer usage and the academic performance of students.
• Ascertain the use of computer which promotes the academic performance of students in secondary school students in Ikwo Local Government Area.
• Investigate the computer activities of secondary school students which affect their academics.

1.4 Research Questions

The main focus of this research is to provide a valuable response to the questions below.

• What is the extent of computer usage among students in secondary school students in Ikwo Local Government Area?
• Is there a positive correlation between computer usage and the academic performance of students?
• What are the use of computer which promotes the academic performance of students in secondary school students in Ikwo Local Government Area?
• What are the computer activities of secondary school students which affect their academics?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

Ho: There is no significant positive correlation between computer usage and the academic performance of secondary school students.

Ha: There is a significant positive correlation between computer usage and the academic performance of secondary school students.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The outcome of this study aims at determining whether or not the use of computers has any significant influence on the academic achievement of students in secondary schools in Nigeria. The study will enable schools to make computers available as a teaching-learning approach and familiarize the students on how to use the device.

It will enable the students to appreciate the use of computer and other ICT resources in learning and later in life. It will be of immense value to would be teachers to have a prior knowledge of computer before using it. It will also enable the parents to take their initiative in providing their wards with computers in order to help them improve their academic performance.

Also, to educational administrators, planners and other educational bodies involved in the training processes. Thus, the findings will help them to know the value of computer and apply same in the curriculum for effective teaching and learning in school. Lastly, the study will serve as a source of referee materials for prospective researcher who may wish to undertake a study in this regard.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study boarders on the impact of computer usage on academic performance of student. The research was conducted in a secondary school in Ebonyi State’s Ikwo Local Government Area in south-east Nigeria.

1.8 Limitation of the Study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Computer Studies:

Computer science is the study of computers and computing as well as their theoretical and practical applications.

Computer:

This is an electronic device that is capable of accepting data, processing data, store and give out the results or output according to the order and command of the users or operator.

Information Communication Technology:

Is the component culture that enables people to use their power to utilize their environment for their survival. It has made the world to be a global village.

Usage:

In brief, this is the way in which computers are used in schools for a particular purpose.

1.10 Organization of the Study

This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows.

Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study.

Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature.

Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study.

Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.

Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study.