EXTENT OF COMPUTER LITERACY AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHERS

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 THE BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY The use of computer is now felt in every sector of human endeavour for the fact that they have been known to simplify all identifiable operations. The use or computer in schools in one form or another has become quite fashionable in many countries. The computerization of technical training activities in the industrialized nation can be replicated in the developing nations, especially Nigeria, but such an objective can hardly be realized without a large pool of indigenous trainers with the requisite computer literacy. In Nigeria, the use of computer is just gaining ground. Nigerians are becoming more computer conscious and are realizing the enormous benefit it offers. According to Adekunle Adegbaje (2000) computers is the latest as the country develops. It has gained acceptance in all sector of the economy. It is gaining increasing popularity and this will increase with time. In developed and developing economies of the world, computer has been recognized as an indispensable means of meeting most activities. In the education industry for example, computer is seen as an important facilitator of learning, and indeed, a vehicle to the life of the schools information systems, computer is believed to have no rival when it comes to processing, storing and retrieving of stored data (Ibadin, 1999). The Special attributes of computer include speed, accuracy, reliability, mass storing capability, precision indefatigable and security (Toboy, 1999). Some people encounter such serious cases of computer shock, terminal terror or network neurosis that they avoid using computerized learning systems (Shineiderman, 2000) . Bertino (2005) suggested a reason why target audience in computing in the past has mistrust and fear of computer technology. According to him, “interfaces were incomprehensible, ambiguous and intimidating, leaving students feeling frustrated, insecure and even frightened. It has hoped, that the findings of the study would provide a knowledge based reflection on computer awareness in junior secondary schools which as JSS 1 to JSS 3. The output of this research could be translated into positive action of Transforming all the student learning capacity by assisting them to remove this mental block of lack of confidence.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

It is believed that the teaching of practical skills in computer in secondary schools will help student with the necessary that will be useful to them. It is a thing of concern which is discussed openly when only result is released. The inadequate teaching restores equipment and conducive environment for the course is a problem that calls for the study in this work.The central aim of this study is to determine the computer awareness level among junior secondary schools.

1.3 PURPOSE OF STUDY The purpose of this study are as follows 1) To determine the impact of computer to the children 2) To ascertain why less attention is paid to computer as a subject in secondary schools. 3) To make contribution, suggestion, which might be of interest to teachers, students and even ministry of Education.

4) Identify the factors militating against computer subject in our secondary schools.

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY It is expected that this study would find out the general awareness of junior secondary school student on the computer study which is one of the prominent problems in the country. Again the study would being to light, the students need to use computer in our secondary schools. Computer goes along with practical work. Work not marched with training is not ideal. Hammond and Binkley (2000) have this to say acquainting student, with basic skills and practical is like setting a life long foundation for better and progressive living among the society.

1.5 SCOPE OF STUDY

The study was limited to junior secondary school students found in selected secondary schools within Enugu urban. The selected school are: (1) John Best international college (2) Federal Government college(3) Junior government secondary school

1.6 RESEARCH QUESTION (1) Are there enough materials and equipment for the study of the computer in secondary schools. (2) What are the problems militating against effective learning of computer in secondary schools (3) Do teachers use appropriate method in teaching computer course (4) To what extent do students operate computer.