Innovation in Information and Communication Technology in...

www.ijiem.com.ng International Journal of Innovation in Educational Management, (IJIEM), 1 (2), 2017


Innovation in Information and Communication Technology in

Education Management – Sine Non Qua Non For National Growth 1Okon B. Bassey &

2Victoria O. Bassey

1Dept. of Civil Engineering, Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden

[email protected]

2Dept. of Curriculum Studies, Educational Management & Planning, University of Uyo

[email protected]

Abstract

Contemporary society is a paper which expatiates and analyses trends and development of

information technology. Cites the fields and specialties in with these educational trends have

been easily employed. The imperatives of encouraging and involvement of ICT in the

management of our core educational system are highlighted. Without disputation ICT is

engineeringbased first and foremost and now, a global phenomenon. It has highest growth rate

phenomenon in human historical development since late sixties. This has been introduced into

governance to transform and enhance efficiency, transparency and accountability. However there

are still endemic situations today as highlighted in the recommendations.

Keywords: Global Phenomenon, Innovation in ICT Education, Engineering and Technology,

Management Introduction As a result of the day to day usage of cellphones, smartphones, laptops and ICT products, it

appears many are tempted to trivialize its vast importance in the society. That tends to make the

word an every home - everywhere acronym. Reminding ourselves of what constitutes

Information Technology will help us place the subject on focus. However, it is evident that to

carry out an in-depth study into various aspects of ICT will cover pages that will require days to

run through using information dissemination medium. This medium definitely differs from the

traditional looks into innovation as prevalent in information disseminated the platform of the

wooden gong, or town crier „obodom‟ or single - / double - sash bronze gong. That traditional

method spreads information within limited coverage zone/area in a given locality. That limited

mode of can handle even versatility and communication education and its management in our

Information is simply knowledge, facts, ideas discovered or yet to be given out or known.

Technology is the application of scientific knowledge and engineering skills in industry,

medicine and generally in daily life for the betterment of mankind. So information Technology is

the study and the use of electronic equipment/device especially computers for storing,

synthesizing, analyzing and distribution of information/data in various forms pertaining to and

including caches and displays of words, numbers, figures, diagrams/drawings and ordinary

pictures.

ICT has three components: information technology equipment (computers and related hardware);

communications equipment; and software. Software includes acquisition of pre-packaged

software, customized software and software developed in-house. This indicator is measured as a

percentage of total non-residential gross fixed capital formation.

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Computation techniques have completely changed overtime with the advent of computers.

Information Technology (IT) has launched revolutionary trends in agriculture, arts, culture,

education, medicine, engineering, pharmacy the world over. Computations and analyses which

used to be done using rigorous mathematical iterations requiring many hours input and skill

devotion for days are now performed with ease at high speed and with such accuracy in sequence

provided that a correct programme has been set and right approach applied.

It should be noted therefore, that the computer is a device meant to assist in the execution of

engineering tasks speedily but it is not in itself a decision maker. This assertion is without

prejudice to the fact that through some conceptualized artificial intelligence have been built into

present generation machines, it still remains a tool, a companion than a mentor, originator or

composer frame.

Structural analyses and designs have become increasingly dependent on the use of computers

especially with the emergence of several software requiring users having little or prior

knowledge of the structural mechanics and design, highway design, surveying and

photogrammetry, network analysis in pipe work distribution and flows, as well as hydraulic

equations. Others include GPS - Geospatial information unit Global Positioning System that can

give one the geographical locations and automatic distances anywhere on the globe, geotechnical

devices and hydrographic plotting machine. In aeronautics, much of the operations and flight

information are completely computerized.

According to Urua, 20071 in “ABO DIE „Duty Calls‟” there is a development of appropriate

computer software for writing Ibibio and other African languages. In essence computer has

helped in the development of languages and authors are copiously exploring Field of Methods in

language documentation that will eventuate in a Course Book2.

Discussion

Series of Information/ Communication Gadgets

There are quite a number of information devices now in use. Some of these are mentioned here.

a) Scientific Calculating Machine

These are electronic devices which assist in carrying out fast computations. They are mini

computers with input – output outlay

b) Domestic/Office Communication System

These are commonly manufactured in the form of digital clocks, water falls, telephone

etc. Digital telephone lines help transfer information from the computer by FAX or

direct dialing at home or in the offices. It is a global network set continentally employing

engineering Kirchoff‟s laws and power distribution theories.

In a way, to operate a computer effectively does not require the operator to be an

engineer or computer analyst but just simple knowledge and acumen in application of

computer aids at work.

Existing Modern Information System

The modern information systems are digital information technology varying from clocks

calculating machines to telephone units. Wireless telephony GSM etc. and computer



operating system, internet facilities series of enlargements that are capable of reductions

to whatever sizes by fax in document form.

(c) The Electronic mail (e-mail): This is an information transfer using wire technique and

enables coded letters representing formed words to be sent out in an exceeding fast speed

and can be interpreted at the receiver‟s end.

(d) The Internet - (www): The worldwide web affords people including our revered

engineers the opportunity to reach out to colleagues clients, libraries (virtual or formal),

manufactures, compositors, lectures and capital market world over. An individual,

organization or institution that has the website facility can be reached with ease via

internet.

On-line learning- we can increase our skills by learning through the internet by

registering for on-line courses available from organizations on any area of interest.

- By so doing access to learning materials readily are ensured

- The place of learning is at our disposal

- The teacher–student interaction is enhanced and enabled through this system

- There is accurate and timely feedback control/management

ii. The Virtual Library

The on-line library is an innovative concept as libraries in the world can be easily

accessed through the internet. Most renowned higher institutions (universities,

polytechnics, mono-technics, and government agencies) libraries can be reached via this

means.

iii On - line Group Interaction

Group discussions can now be advanced through the internet to undertake professional

subject discussions on any private engagement of any type. For most proprietary soft

wares, the users of the software form common discussion groups on how to use the

software to better resolve modeling problems and exchange ideas.

iv. Web - Based Software

Taking cognizance of the emergence of worldwide web internet some soft wares have

been developed making it possible for professionals and groups to reach their offices

software system, via the internet, on anything from a laptop to a palm top to WAP

(Wireless Application protocol) phone. There is therefore greater interaction among

members of a group, firm, institution leading to improved decisions as a result of up to

date information on line. When chief Executives, and Directors of organization are out of

stations they can effectively optimized their time use and make decisions or contribute to

any discussion or make inputs in documents irrespective of their locations provided there

is network service in the area.

Educational Measurement



Fig. 1 Schematic Diagram of Dimensions of Behaviour Assessment

Source Adapted: Nsedu E. U. Inyang, 2012

v. ICT as a Tool for Appropriate Assessment of Cognitive Adaptabilities /Behaviors of

Neophyte-students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

Education

This is a complex method of measurement of interests, skills and knowledge acquired in meta-

discipline. A meta-discipline of course is a creation arising from the integration of other

disciplinary knowledge into a whole as opined by Inyang, 20128 It is multifaceted in nature and

an interdisciplinary approach to learning where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with

world lessons with a view to ensuring that students apply Science, Technology, Engineering and

Mathematics in contexts to make connections among school, community, work and global

enterprise. When maximally harnessed it will enable the development of STEM literacy and with

it the ability to compete in global economy.8 A problem certainly needs the knowledge of values

quality and quantity simultaneously, In such a case, assessment, measurement and evaluation

comparison will definitely be encountered. There are quantities that cannot be measured using

numeration but evaluation of quality based certain parameters of judgment can be carried out. In

order for this to be done effectively and systematically with evidences of data collection putting

together the correct procedure it is important to determine the degree of changes taking place in

selected group of individuals. It is clear therefore that computation that will follow is enormous.

The use of computer and programming iterations will definitely make the assignment easy. In

this case MATLAB language may be used to draw up series of tables, that may arise or be

formulated to solve the given problem and conceptualized ideas with built in synthesis and

computations. This affords the technique of continuous assessment involving the following

varieties to be taken at ease 1) written assessment-testing technique, 2) assignment, 3) oral

4)observational study, 5) assessment of practical skills, 6) project assessment 7) take-home test,

Measurement of

Personality Measure of Ability

Measurement of Skill

Coordination

Attitude Interes

t

Measure of

Achieveme

nt

Temper

ament Hand - Eye

Hand

Finger

Dexterity Measure

of

Aptitude



7) open book examination and 8) a diagnostic function of the various assessment technics

employed in order to conclude on the performance of technique- system whether they result in

yielding or collapsing the system it is actually measuring.

v. Tendering and Document Forwarding

ICT tools make the presentation of job proposals easy. For instance, tendering and other

forms of job order can be completed with the fast internet arrangement.

The website – the website offer unlimited opportunities to market our skills and products

to the world market. A websites does not only create the ability to reach potential

customers, it also improves credibility and communication between customers and

clients.

(e) The Global Positioning System GPS

GPS is known to be a satellite system which does accurate mapping and transmitting

from any point in three dimensions anywhere on the globe. On reception of signals from

at least four satellites of the 24 satellite in orbit around the earth, it automatically

computes distance of any specific location on earth. The signals and data are then

processed using specialized equipment and software.

Simultaneously, the equipment logs in the position with inherent errors and applies any

appropriate correction to the identified errors. The GPS system is handy as it is

manufactured to monitor relatively any movements on the earth crust, structure

(settlements, vibrations/oscillations and deflections). That is why it is very good when

employed in the setting out of complex construction projects, long span bridges of

diverse configurations, tunnels, roof trusses; monitoring and directing of displacement in

dams, high rise buildings, and control towels roof canals. It is used in cadastral and

geospatial/geophysical surveys. The advantages of such technology are enormous and

unlimited. The example appears in the image just below (Bassey, 2015)2.



Plate AI. Image Capture of Ikpa River from Ntak Inyang Reach using satellite

(f) Utilization of Information Technology in Growing Economy

Having learnt about the usefulness of these technologies in our modern society, it is

equally important to apply them for the development of our own economy. The

Universities, Polytechnics and Mono-technics, Research Institutes and manufacturing

centers are beginning to get involved in developing a utilizing system for both

educational management and production.The packages are being employed in the

registration and computation of student‟s results. Software are readily being developed to

cater for the execution of designs. Locally, drawings are being prepared through

AutoCAD (auto computer aided design).

The Akwa Ibom State Government effort at setting up a state - of – the - art – Information

and Communications Technology - Digital Opportunities Centre through the Ministry of

Science and Technology at Obio Imo Street is laudable. In this Centre is a Research

Laboratory for Research and Development (R & D) as well as Installed VSAT internet

Access and Networking. It is evident that some computers are being locally assembled

and distributed while some relatively cheap but functional products are equally being

produced, for example, automatic voltage regulators (AVRS) and some household

appliances for local use (Asuquo, 2009)3.

Our concern now is the amount of local content in all these production. It is a known fact

that motherboard and hard disk technologies are complex and capital intensive, and

manufacturing them may not be easy. A little more effort can propel us to producing most

of the components if not all. Nigeria has the necessary raw materials for metal fabrication

and plastic processing4.

Carbon steels are very much available in the market in all mills forms (bar, strip, sheet,

shapes etc.) Chukwudebe (2004)5 for the fabrication of casings at affordable prices. The

mild steel sheet can be fabricated into parts and structures by a wide variety of processes

requiring low duty tooling and ordinary techniques for example, bending, cutting,

riveting, laminating, trimming, surface and edge planning, folding and welding6.

(g) Utilization of GSM based Controlled System in Electrical Appliances

Research went forth on the design and utilization of its outcome for usage in energy

saving gadgets both at home, in offices and public utilities whereby a 21st century smart

home system makes it possible for an individual user to maintain control over the state of

electrical appliance by receiving status feedback for it. This is achieved by a control

performed from a remote (long or short distanced) location. Using SMS computerized

technology cum android application user friendly interface as an alternative medium,

over a network – the technology enhances remote sensing. The outcome is that of a

provision for user flexibility and assurance of controlling the home/office electrical

appliances connected to ports. The advantages are minimizing power utilization and

wastages within the controlled environment. Here commands are sent from remote user

to microcontroller which in turn reissues the command to the appliances accordingly on

switch ON/ OFF signals and SMS format.



Plate 2 Multifaceted utilization in multi system

(h) ICT Knowledge enables the performance of simple elementary operations and

output even Inputting Data5.

It is intended to write a basic program to solve a quadratic equation as shown below:

3x2

+ 7x – 5 = 0

The solution of such function with respect to x appears as:

x =

For the solution of the quadratic equation:

ax2 + bx +c = 0

A suitable programme could be thus:

10 A = 3

20 B = 7

30 C = -5

40 X1 = (-B + SQRT (B*B-4*A*C))/2*A)

50 X2 = (-B - SQRT (B*B-4*A*C))/2*A)

60 PRINT X1, X2

Program 1:1 Quadratic equation

(i) INPUT DATA

(ii) 10 REM this programme solves quadratics

20 A = 3

30 B = 7

40 C = -5



50 R= B*B-4*A*C

60 IF R<0 THEN GOTO 100

70 R= SQRT(R)

80 X1 = (-B + R)

90 X2 = (-B - R)

100 PRINT X1, X2

Global Development Trends and Utilization of ICT Knowledge

In 1975 there were only 634 while by 1980 World record showed there occurred 6.319 billion

* United Nations Statistics Division â€ “Methodological Publications in Statistics This database

is a repository of statistical standards and published methodological work by the international

organizations. You may search by selecting the lead organization and the statistical subject; or

simply using a search word.9

* Eurostat - Methodological manuals relating to statistics lists all methodological manuals for

each theme covered by Eurostat. * European Central Bank - Legal Framework, General Statistics

The knowledge base serves as a single web-based access point for a dynamic and centralized

repository of information on all aspects of methodology and best country practices for the

collection, analysis and dissemination of economic statistics and macroeconomic standards.9

There is an innovative approach in procuring modern educational technology programmes. There

are open data, closed algorithms and Black Box of Education. Education provides the analogue

foundation for our digital lives now.

Teacher managers/mentors: The role of the teacher in the classroom is being transformed from

that of the font of knowledge to an instructional manager helping to guide students through

individualized learning pathways, identifying relevant learning resources, creating collaborative

learning opportunities, and providing insight and support both during formal class time

Smart portfolio assessment: The collection, management, sorting, and retrieving of data related

to learning will help teachers to better understand learning gaps, customize content and

pedagogical approaches. Also, assessment is increasingly moving toward frequent formative

assessments which lend itself to real-time data and less on high-pressure exams as the mark of

excellence. Tools are increasingly available to students to gather their work together in a kind of

online portfolio; whenever they add a tweet, blog post, or photo to any online service, it will

appear in their personal portfolio which can be both peer and teacher assessed.

Apart from these two aspects mentioned as opined by Robert Hawkins10

there are several other

world development taking place like mobile learning, cloud computing in which cheaper

information appliances are available which do not require the processing power or size of the PC.

There are also ubiquitous learning, one-to-one computing, gaming among school children taking

away tiredness and boredom, personalized learning and Teacher generated open content.

Studies on Teachers’ Uses of ICTS

According to Tella et al. (2007)12

, previous studies into teacher use of ICTs have identified staff

development as one of the contributory factors in using ICT effectively in the classroom.

McCarney (2004)13

gave a report on an investigation into effective staff development in ICT for

teachers. A sample of Scottish primary school teachers have been surveyed to investigate the



impact of different models of staff development in ICT on the teacher and to explore the

knowledge and skills gained by teachers from staff development: technical; academic/content-

related; pedagogy.

The results indicate the need for a much greater emphasis to be placed on the pedagogy of ICT.

This should be of interest to all involved in teacher education and the continuing professional

development of teachers. Moseley et al. ((1999) in UNESCO, 2004)14

, in a study of primary

school teachers known to be achieving either average or above average gains on measures of

relative attainment by pupils, that focused on pedagogy using ICT. Observations showed that the

most successful teachers were those who used examples and counterexamples and involved

students in explaining and modelling in the class. Teachers who favoured ICT were likely to

have well-developed ICT skills and to see ICT as an important tool for learning and instruction.

They were also likely to value collaborative working, enquiry and decision making by students.

Teachers‟ pedagogical approaches are in turn affected by a number of key factors. First, they are

affected by knowledge about their own subject. There is a clear distinction between teachers who

choose ICT resources to fit within a particular topic and those who choose resources merely to

present pupils‟ work in a new way, without any direct application to the topic. The evidence

shows that when teachers use their knowledge both the subject and also how students understand

the subject with their use of ICT have more direct effect on students‟ attainment.

Cox et al., (1999)15

report findings of a small project funded by the Teacher Training Agency

and Oracle through the Miranda Net project, set up to investigate the factors which have

contributed to the continuing use of ICT by experienced ICT and ICT teachers in their teaching.

Evidence has been collected through a literature search, teacher questionnaires, teachers' reports

and interviews. The factors which were found to be most important to these teachers in their

teaching were: making the lessons more interesting, easier, more fun for them and their pupils,

more diverse, more motivating for the pupils and more enjoyable. Additionally, more personal

factors were, improving presentation of materials, allowing greater access to computers for

personal use, giving more power to the teacher in the school, giving the teacher more prestige,

making the teachers' administration more efficient and providing professional support through

the Internet.

Gray and Souter (2004)16

in a study of secondary science teachers use of ICT conducted in

America focuses on the data from one aspect of the use of ICT in secondary subject areas, and

the perceptions of teachers in these areas. A comparison of science teachers‟ perceptions was

made with teachers from other disciplines. Although the responses of biology teachers could be

analyzed the numbers in the study were quite small overall. A general view was therefore taken

across the three science disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Examination of the data

indicated that, relative to other subject teachers, science teachers came out positively with regard

to use of and confidence in ICT. However, in absolute terms although the availability of

computing facilities was reportedly quite high, actual level of use was quite low.

In addition, where level of use was higher, it was with regards to a rather narrow range of

applications, particularly word-processing. In addition, little was reported in the way of pupil use

of ICT in science classes. Although there appeared to be an awareness of the potential for ICT in

science, teachers indicated that they did not see the introduction of ICT radically changing the



way in which teaching took place, nor changing the teacher-student relationship. Science

teachers were reasonably confident in their use of ICT but felt that they needed much more in the

way of support and professional development to maximize their use of ICT in the classroom.

The Gordon University Aberdeen (2004)17

in a study conducted in Scotland on teachers‟ ICT

skills and knowledge need reported that the use of ICT is relatively low and is focused on a fairly

narrow range of ICT. Word 11 processing is the predominant use made of ICT in primary and

secondary schools. There are some uses of externally produced educational softwares in both

sectors and secondary teachers tend to use a broader range of generic packages such as

spreadsheets and DTP than do primary teachers. There is very little use of the Internet and

WWW or e-mail by either primary or secondary teachers, despite the fact that the majority of

secondary schools have access to the Internet. Resources such as video conferencing and

network computer conferencing are rarely used. The study further revealed that while primary

school teachers use ICT primarily to support classroom practice; secondary teachers use it as

much or more for professional development and personal use as in the classroom. Teachers are

using ICT throughout the curriculum but the degree of use and attitude vary in secondary schools

between subject areas. Mathematics and science teachers use ICT relatively little while, amongst

non-computing teachers, ICT is used most by teachers of business and management subjects.12

Studies have shown that private schools, efforts have increased by facilitating schools with ICT.

This indicates that awareness has increased amongst proprietors of schools, hence their efforts at

equipping schools is more than that of government sponsored colleges. Mounting of pressures

sometimes yield little results. However, some facilities are provided not because of the sincerity

in making them for continuous use but for political show offs. Efforts in providing ICT

equipment in our schools at primary and secondary school levels should be increased

considerably. It will not be out of place however, if ministries of education and local government

education authorities provide computers, Internet and other ICT infrastructure in all the

government own schools so as to encourage teachers to use them. Teacher training and

professional development oriented policies should support ICT-related teaching models that

encourage both students and teachers to play active roles in teaching/learning activities.

Emphasis must be placed on the pedagogy behind the use of ICTs for teaching/learning.

Teachers need to adopt, develop and support a pedagogic culture that develops supportive

practices for students‟ and encourages own theories in teaching/learning activities. It should be

linked to the development of life-long learning and professional practices that enable teachers to

keep in touch with ICT developments, new knowledge as well as research on teaching/learning

Conclusion: Effective ICT policy reform can trigger more government-private investment in

broadband infrastructure and make Internet access more affordable. Government can also ensure

fair taxation for the telecom industry and use Universal Service funds to focus on broadband

rollout. This can be undertaken in partnership with others and under open access principles to

develop healthy competition. These efforts will directly enhance poverty reduction and shared

prosperity and effective development. R. Holman11

in his contribution made a startling remark

that schools are already distributing iPads for use by pupils and students alike in Pennsylvania

and Franciscan University of Steubenville. They can now carry their home works in a small

gadget without taking the bulky school bags which they drop behind.



Recommendations It is recommended that every individual, government agency, parastatal,

school, college, institution of higher learning and private concern, old and young should embrace

the new trend in ICT education at all levels.

References

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Inaugural

Lecture, delivered at the University of Uyo. August, 23rd

, 2007

Bassey, O. B., (2015). Plate 1, in prediction of coles and dip parameters for the determination of

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Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education; the 31st

Inaugural Lecture of the University of Uyo, Delivered on 5th

April, 2012 pp. 1-12

ICT Analysis Section on Technology and Logistics- [email protected]

Hawkins, Robert (2010). EduTech, A World Bank Blog on ICT use in Education, blog,

worldbank.org/edutech

Holman, R. (2010). I have this article quite.., http://www.scoop.it/t/ipads-in-education

Tella, Adeyinka ;Tella, Adedeji ;Toyobo, Oluwole Majekodunmi & Adika, Lawrence. O. (2012).

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development of ICT‟S Use in Nigerian Secondary Schools. The Turkish Online Journal

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McCarney, J. (2004).Effective use of staff development in ICT. European Journal of Education

27, (1), 61 – 72.

UNESCO, (2004). ICT pedagogy. UNESCO office.

Cox, M.J., Preston, C., & Cox, K. (1999). What motivates teachers to use ICT? Paper presented

at the British Educational Research Association Conference. Brighton. September.

Gray, D.S. &. Souter, N. (2003).Secondary science teachers‟ use of, and attitude towards ICT in

Scotland. A Report, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.

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