Ghana’s education system isn’t as far behind the rest of the world as it once was, but there are still many improvements that need to be made. One of these improvements is in information and communications technology (ICT). The country has made great strides in increasing access to ICT in Ghana schools, but now the country needs to focus on the quality of the educational experiences that this access makes possible. If Ghana’s education system had more ICT-enabled learning experiences, students would be able to grasp concepts more easily and teachers could better guide students who struggle with certain skills or subjects.
What are the benefits of learning ICT?
In a digital era, ICT skills are essential to ensure an individual’s success in both personal life and professional life. This knowledge’s vast benefits range from employment opportunities to economic growth. One of the most important benefits of learning ICT is being able to earn a living wage. With the ongoing technological revolution, ICT in Ghana schools and universities will only become more important in the coming years.
This means that people who lack these skills may be unable to find jobs or even keep them because they will be outpaced by others who do have ICT skills. This can lead to poverty which would then impact one’s quality of life and ability to provide for themselves or their family members.
Challenges Facing the Teaching of ICT Skills
The challenges that face the teaching of ICT skills in Ghanaian schools are numerous. Teachers often lack the knowledge to teach the subject, not having been trained in it themselves. They also don’t have access to the resources necessary to provide a quality curriculum. This can be due to a lack of funding or a shortage of technology in schools. The solution is still being debated as many disagree on what must be done first: providing funds and infrastructure or training teachers.
How can schools address these challenges?
Schools in Ghana are facing many challenges, but the need to provide students with access to information and communications technologies (ICT) is one of the most urgent. Providing access to ICT like internet-enabled computers, tablets, and phones, as well as training teachers to use ICT effectively for teaching purposes, are vital steps towards helping address these challenges.
One-way schools can work towards providing this access is by partnering with an established organization that specializes in the promotion of ICT in education or by investing in their hardware and software. The Ministry of Education should also take a proactive role in encouraging schools to establish partnerships with organizations that promote ICT education such as the Dodoo Coding Club or make investments in technological infrastructure.
