Technological social intervention, the case of “Better Ghana Agenda” laptop on teaching and learning at the Basic Schools in the Wenchi Municipality

Abstract

Technological intervention is seen as any electronic item or equipment or application that is used to increase or maintain and or improve daily living work/productivity capabilities of children/students. The study assessed the impact of the ―Better Ghana agenda laptops‖ on teaching and learning in basic schools in the Wenchi municipality, the challenges in the implementation of the policy and to find out the criteria used for the distribution of the laptops. Specifically, 100 students from Junior High School (JHS) were randomly selected together with 19 ICT teachers in Wenchi municipality in Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. Both questionnaire and interview were used for gathering data. The data collected were analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS). Findings of the study showed both ICT teachers and students said that there is no clear cut lay down criteria used in the distribution of the laptops but the laptops has improved both students and ICT teacher‘s application of ICT knowledge in teaching and learning. However, the implementation of the policy met some challenges like the lack of ICT laboratories, lack of electricity in most schools; lack of internet connectivity among others is preventing the smooth implementation of the policy. Therefore, to have a smooth implementation of such an important policy in the Wenchi Municipality, it is important that all these challenges are brought to the barest minimum. It is recommended that, ICT laboratories should be provided in each basic school or ICT resource centres should be provided in each district to be used by both students and ICT teachers. Again, clear criteria should be provided to the Municipal Directorate of Education to be used in the distribution of laptops to ensure transparency.