Utilization of Information and Communication Technology and Students' Learning Activities in Secondary School Libraries in Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the relationship between utilization of Information and Communications Technology tools and resources and  students' learning activities in secondary schools' libraries in Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers state Nigeria. It adopted the survey  research design and a questionnaire validated and tested with a reliability coefficient of 0.79, as research instrument. The population of  the study consisted of all the students in public secondary schools in Emohua L.G.A from JSS 1 to SS 3. A sample size of 380 was drawn  from a population of 7,600 students using the Taro Yamane statistical formula, while descriptive and inferential statistics were used to  analyze the data. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between students' utilization of ICT tools and resources in  secondary schools libraries and their information searching activities, preparations for tests, examinations, assignments and class activities. ICT tools and resources use also had a significant relationship with the technical skills of the students in online learning  activities, an important aspect of modern pedagogy and learning. However, some challenges encountered by the respondents, such as:  in adequate skill on the use of ICT tools and resources; the non-preservation of ICT tools and resources; and, inadequate availability of  ICT tools and resources in the school library, posed as inhibitors to the overall effectiveness of their learning activities through the use of  ICT tools and resources. The study recommends that the acquisition and maintenance of ICT resources in the school libraries should be prioritized; periodic training and seminars should be organized for teachers, library staff and even for the students in line with new  technological innovations as regards to ICT tools and resources utilization in learning activities; a need for the relevant authorities to  provide sufficient policy, technical guidance and support in the provision and use of ICT tools and resources in school libraries; and, the  employment of experienced digital librarians which is necessary for enhancing the students' skills in the use of ICT tools and resources,  given the relevance in learning activities.