Evaluating Digital Technology Access and Usage among Teachers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14421/manageria.2023.81-02Keywords:
Digital Technology Access, Basic Education in Ghana, Teachers' ICT UtilizationAbstract
This study investigates teachers' access to digital technologies in Public Basic Schools in Asante Akim Central Municipality, Ghana. The study uses a quantitative approach to evaluate the availability and types of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools, teachers' motivational and physical comfort with digital technologies, and their skills and usage patterns. Engaging with 108 teachers highlights gaps in access to and use of ICT tools. The results demonstrate that while teachers have access to digital tools such as laptops and smartphones, their access to specific software and digital tools is limited. In terms of motivation, teachers are primarily intrinsically motivated to use digital technologies. Teachers exhibited comfort and confidence in utilizing ICT tools, indicating operational skills and access to ICT. The findings underline the need to address these educational implementation gaps and reduce the digital divide. This research contributes to the literature on digital technology access in developing countries and provides valuable insights for stakeholders involved in integrating educational technology.
Downloads
References
Acharya, A. S., Prakash, A., Saxena, P., & Nigam, A. (2013). Sampling: Why and how of it? Indian Journal of Medical Specialities, 4(2), 330–333.
Agyei, D. D., & Voogt, J. (2011). Exploring the potential of the will, skill, tool model in Ghana. Predicting Prospective and Practicing Teachers’ Use of Technology, 56(1), 91–100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2010.08.017
Akinde, T. A., & Adetimirin, A. A. (2017). Perceived usefulness as a correlate of the extent of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) uses for teaching by library educators in universities. International Journal of Library and Information Science, 9(April), 14–24. https://doi.org/10.5897/IJLIS2016.0739
Alobaid, A. (2020). Smart multimedia learning of ICT: Role and impact on language learners’ writing fluency— YouTube online English learning resources as an example. Smart Learning Environments, 7(1), 24. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-020-00134-7
Atuahene, E. (2019). Integrating technology (ICT tools) in teaching and learning – a case study of Offinso College OF Education, Ofinso, Ghana. European Journal of Education Studies, 5(11), 278–295.
Ben Youssef, A., Dahmani, M., & Ragni, L. (2022). ICT Use, Digital Skills and Students’ Academic Performance: Exploring the Digital Divide. Information, 13(3), Article 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/info13030129
Chaeruman, U. A. (2005). Mengintegrasikan teknologi informasi dan komunikasi (tik) ke dalam proses pembelajaran: Apa, Mengapa dan Bagaimana? Jurnal Teknodik, 046–059. https://doi.org/10.32550/teknodik.v0i0.536
Chang, Y., Wong, S. F., & Park, M. (2016a). A three-tier ICT access model for intention to participate online: A comparison of developed and developing countries. Journal Name, 32(5), 226–242.
Chang, Y., Wong, S. F., & Park, M. (2016b). A three-tier ICT access model for intention to participate online: A comparison of developed and developing countries. Journal Name, 32(5), 226–242.
Chigona, A., & Chigona, W. (2010). An Investigation of Factors affecting the Use of ICT for Teaching in the Western Cape Schools. In 18th European Conference on Information Systems, ECIS 2010 (pp. 1-12). Portsmouth, UK: Springer
Dogan, S., Dogan, N. A., & Celik, I. (2021). Teachers’ skills to integrate technology in education: Two path models explaining instructional and application software use. Education and Information Technologies, 26(1), 1311–1332. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-020-10310-4
Falloon, G. (2020a). From digital literacy to digital competence: The teacher digital competency (TDC) framework. Educational Technology Research and Development, 68(5), 2449–2472. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-020-09767-4
Falloon, G. (2020b). From digital literacy to digital competence: The teacher digital competency (TDC) framework. Educational Technology Research and Development, 68(5), 2449–2472. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-020-09767-4
Fitriyadi, H. (2013). Integrasi teknologi informasi komunikasi dalam pendidikan: potensi manfaat, masyarakat berbasis pengetahuan, pendidikan nilai, strategi implementasi dan pengembangan profesional. Jurnal Pendidikan Teknologi Dan Kejuruan, 21(3), Article 3. https://doi.org/10.21831/jptk.v21i3.3255
Gamage, D., Ruipérez-Valiente, J. A., & Reich, J. (2023). Editorial: A paradigm shift in designing education technology for online learning: opportunities and challenges. Frontiers in Education, 8, 1194979. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1194979
Garrison, D. R., & Kanuka, H. (2004). Blended learning: Uncovering its transformative potential in higher education. International High Education, 7, 95–105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2004.02.001
Gasaymeh, A. M., Al-hasanat, H. A., Kraishan, O. M., & Khaled, A. (2017). Motivational Factors Affecting the Integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Education by Teachers Members: A Developing Country Perspective. International Journal of Education, 9(3), 168–182. https://doi.org/10.5296/ije.v9i3.11667
Ghavifekr, S., & Rosdy, W. A. W. (2015). Teaching and Learning with Technology: Effectiveness of ICT Integration in Schools. International Journal of Research in Education and Science (IJRES), 1(2), 175-191
Gümüş, M. M., & Kukul, V. (2023). Developing a digital competence scale for teachers: Validity and reliability study. Education and Information Technologies, 28(3), 2747–2765. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11213-2
Hidayat, N., & Khotimah, H. (2019). Pemanfaatan teknologi digital dalam kegiatan pembelajaran. JPPGuseda | Jurnal Pendidikan & Pengajaran Guru Sekolah Dasar, 2(1), 10–15. https://doi.org/10.33751/jppguseda.v2i1.988
Hsu, S. (2010). The Relationship between Teacher’s Technology Integration Ability and Usage. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 43(3), 309–325. https://doi.org/10.2190/EC.43.3.c
Johnson, A. M., Jacovina, M. E., Russell, D. G., & Soto, C. M. (2016). Challenges and Solutions when Using Technologies in the Classroom. In S. A. Crossley & D. S. McNamara (Eds.), Adaptive Educational Technologies for Literacy Instruction (1st ed., pp. 13–30). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315647500-2
Krejcie, R. V., & Morgan, D. W. (1970). Determining sample size for research activities. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 30, 607–610.
Newhouse, C. P. (2013). Learning with portable digital devices in Australian schools: 20 years on! The Australian Educational Researcher, 41(4), 471–483. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13384-013-0139-3
Ofori, E. (2019). Using Technology Acceptance Model to Promote Student Adoption and Use of Digital Technology At The Sunyani Technical University. Journal of Basic and Applied Research International, 25(3), 1–13.
Ofosu-Appiah, J. (2017). The use of ICT in teaching and learning at the Wisconsin International University College (MA thesis). University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.
Osman, H. (2017). Nursing Students’ Experience with Information Literacy Skill. Yangtze Medicine, 01(03), 157–168. https://doi.org/10.4236/ym.2017.13016
Paul, C., & Chandak, S. R. (2019). Adapting to Educational Technology in the Traditional U G Classroom: A Pilot Study to improve ICT usage in an Undergraduate College. XXXXVII, 2.
Perdana, A. (2019). Generasi Milenial dan Strategi Pengelolaan SDM Era Digital. Jurnal Studi Pemuda, 8(1), 75. https://doi.org/10.22146/studipemudaugm.45287
Player-Koro, C. (2012). Factors Influencing Teachers’ Use of ICT in Education. Education Inquiry, 3(1), 93–108. https://doi.org/10.3402/edui.v3i1.22015
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. On the Horizon, 9(5), 1-6. MCB University Press
Sampath, V., Ganesan, A., & Edison.K, T. A. (2022). Online Learning: ICT-Based Tools for Interaction and Effectiveness. ECS Transactions, 107(1), 10277–10284. https://doi.org/10.1149/10701.10277ecst
Sarpong, G. (2021). Evaluating teachers’ access to digital technologies in basic schools in Asante Akim Central Municipality (Master of Science thesis). University of Education, Winneba, Ghana.
Shirazi, F., Heidari, S., Fard, S. J., & Ghodsbin, F. (2019). Use by Iranian Nursing Students: Facilitators Pattern of Internet. August. https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.iee.v37n2e06.Vol
Soomro, K. A., Kale, U., Curtis, R., Akcaoglu, M., & Bernstein, M. (2018). Development of an instrument to measure Faculty’s information and communication technology access.
Valverde-Berrocoso, J., Fernández-Sánchez, M. R., Revuelta Dominguez, F. I., & Sosa-Díaz, M. J. (2021). The educational integration of digital technologies preCovid-19: Lessons for teacher education. PLOS ONE, 16(8), e0256283. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0256283
Vassilakopoulou, P., & Hustad, E. (2023). Bridging Digital Divides: A Literature Review and Research Agenda for Information Systems Research. Information Systems Frontiers, 25(3), 955–969. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10796-020-10096-3
Yusuf, M. O., & Onasanya, S. A. (2004). Information and communication technology (ICT) and technology in tertiary institution. In Teaching in Tertiary Institutions (pp. 67–76). Ilorin: Faculty of Education.
Zalat, M. M., Hamed, M. S., & Bolbol, S. A. (2021). The experiences, challenges, and acceptance of e-learning as a tool for teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic among university medical staff. PLOS ONE, 16(3), e0248758. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0248758
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2023 Godfred Sarpong, Michael Osei Tutu Bonsu, Achiaa Adu-Poku

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Copyright Notice
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License that allows others to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal and also allows to remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially with contributions under the same license as the original.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.