An Appraisal of Educational Technology Usage in Secondary Schools in Ondo State (Nigeria)

This study examined and appraised the use of Educational Technology in secondary schools in Ondo State South West, Nigeria. The study investigated the level of availability of Educational Technology facilities in schools, attitude of teachers toward educational technology, the perceived benefits of using Educational Technology, the problems facing the use of Educational Technology in secondary schools and Application of Educational Technology in schools by teachers. The descriptive survey design was used for the study. The population consisted of all the teachers and principals of the secondary schools in Ondo State. The sample consists of 400 teachers and 40 principals randomly selected from the secondary schools in Ondo State. A self designed questionnaire tagged Educational Technology and Secondary Schools (ETSS) was used to collect the data for the study. Data collected for the study were analyzed using frequency count, percentage scores, mean and charts. The study revealed that Educational Technology facilities were lacking in schools and teachers and students were to a little extent exposed to the use of Educational Technology. Moreover, the study revealed the perceived benefits of using Educational Technology in schools which include making teaching-learning interesting; helping the distance learning program; Educational technology provide for individual differences; Educational technology makes teaching efficient and effective. However, despite these perceived benefits, the study also revealed some of the challenges facing Educational technology in secondary schools as: Epileptic supply of electricity: misconception of right concept of educational technology; Shortage of specialist in educational technology; inadequate facilities to support full application of educational technology and lack of fund. It was therefore recommended that government should increase the funding of the education sector. There should also be periodic training for teachers on educational technology skills acquisition.