Challenges associated with using technology in staff development in the Sekyere Kumawu district education directorate

Abstract

The study examined teachers’ professional development in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). It specifically focused on teachers’ knowledge level on ICT, professional development programme for teachers, and the challenges associated with teachers’ inability to go for professional development in technology. The study utilised the case study design as well as the quantitative approach to research. The population of the study involved Personnel in District Education Office and teachers in Sekyere Kumawu District. The study used stratified, simple random and purposive sampling techniques to select 175 respondents. Data were solicited from respondents using questionnaires. The researcher personally gathered data from respondents. The Descriptive statistics was employed to analyze the collected data. The level of teachers in Sekyere Kumawu District was generally found to be low. However, most teachers in the district have experienced a number of professional development programmes and showed positive attitude towards professional development programme. The study identified challenges associated with teachers’ inability to go for professional development in technology. Some of the challenges include; lack of funding for additional personnel to cover classes, family responsibilities, expenses for travel, teaching-related duties, professional development activities are not offered at the time when I am available, and headteachers’ attitude. The study suggested that the government through the Ministry of Education must ensure that District Education Offices are provided with funds to enable them train teachers in the district in ICT, and travel expense must be subsidized or fully bore by the Ghana Education Service.