WhatsApp Usage in Administrative Processes of College of Distance Education, University of Cape Coast, Ghana

In Ghana, little is known about the educational values of WhatsApp usage as a multidimensional communication tool. WhatsApp usage is unguided and generally left in the hands of the juvenile for exploration.  This article established how WhatsApp application could promote administrative processes and support for the College of Distance Education (CoDE), University of Cape Coast, Ghana. The theories informing this study were adopted from the synthetic model of motivation (Turner, 1987) and Activity Theory by Vygotsky (1978). The descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used for the study. Data collection was quantitatively done with a questionnaire as the research instrument. Census technique was employed to gather data from all the 72 Study Centre Co-ordinators of CoDE. The two objectives and four hypotheses that guided the study were analysed with frequencies and percentages, ANOVA, independent sample t-test, and multiple standard regression. The study found that most of the respondents were satisfied with WhatsApp’s use to facilitate communication among stakeholders at CoDE. It further emerged that WhatsApp messaging enables rapid feedback among the key stakeholders (administrators, course tutors and students) of CoDE. However, few co-ordinators expressed disappointment regarding members sending irrelevant information and heavy videos sometimes in ungodly hours. It was recommended that enforceable user-guidelines and policies be made explicit for members to adhere to WhatsApp platforms’ use. Also, WhatsApp groups should be organised based on homogeneous interests while usage should be supported, regulated and promoted by the management of CoDE

Utilization of Information and Communication Technology in Teaching and Learning at the Primary School Level: A Developing Country Perspective

The study was conducted to assess the usage of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) in teaching and learning in primary schools within the OLA Circuit of the Cape Coast Metropolis. Again, the study was done to find out the availability of ICT facilities, efficient and accessible this infrastructure and challenges of integration. The study was carried out in five Government (Public) schools within the OLA Circuit in Cape Coast, Ghana. Descriptive survey was conducted using questionnaires to collect data on 50 teachers. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools such as frequency, correlation and linear regression were used to analyse the data.  The findings indicated that teachers teaching in the primary schools were willing to use ICT for their teaching but due to some challenges of inadequate facilities such as computer laboratory, electricity, projectors, scanners, printers and inadequate computer technicians hindering seamless integration of ICT in their teaching and learning. Also, the study showed that teachers had positive perceptions on the benefit of ICT on their teaching. Furthermore, most teachers requested for training in ICT, support services for technology, sufficient software to help sustain their interest in teaching and learning of the subject. It was recommended that technology and technical support unit should be instituted in the various schools to handle technology integration challenges and provide rapid responses to teachers’ technological needs. Keywords: Digital divide, E-learning, ICT, ICT Competence, ICT Technology DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-33-18 Publication date: November 30th 202

The Internet Users and Cybercrime in Ghana: Evidence from Senior High School in Brong Ahafo Region

Cybercrime, an offence that is committed against individuals through the internet has bedeviled the global online industry. Cybercrime is also criminal activity using internet facilities such as virus infections, identity theft and hacking. There is high risk of becoming a victim especially young internet user. All efforts to combat it have not worked much. The study examined the awareness of Senior High School students towards cybercrime in order to suggest policies to deal with this menace. The study underpinned by social strain theory. The study employed descriptive survey design. Simple sampling technique was used to select 200 students from Sunyani Senior High School. Questionnaire was used in eliciting responses. The study revealed that the major forms of cybercrime were hacking, credit card fraud, software piracy and cyber identity theft. Again, the study indicated that the major consequences involved in engaging in cybercrime are inimical to the progress and development of a country and tarnishing the country reputation. Gender had no significant influence on the knowledge of students towards cybercrime. We recommended that cybercrime court should be established in Ghana to speed up prosecution of cybercriminals and encourage more judges and lawyers to specialize in cyber law

Information and Communication Technology Assess and Use by Teachers of Community Health Nurses Training School in Adansi Fomena

Teaching using technologies has helped in making learning flexible, accommodating and increases potential learners. This study examines the information and communication technology assesses and use by teachers of community health nurses training school. The purposive sampling technique was used to select all the thirty teachers. The data was analysed using frequency, percentages, chi-square, bivariate correlation, t-test and linear regression. The study revealed that majority of the teachers has high competence level in ICT usage. The findings of the study showed that majority of the teachers have access to ICT tools such as computers, mobile phones, and personal digital assistants. The three major barriers hindering the integration of the use of ICT by teachers are inadequate teaching and learning materials, lack of time and high cost of ICT equipment. Results showed that ICT competence level positively and significantly correlate with access to ICT device. Again, male and female teachers ICT competence level were not significantly different from each other. We recommend that there is the need to implement policy direction to deal with issues such as provision of computer laboratories, staffing the laboratories with technology assistants in supporting ICT usage by teachers

The Internet Users and Cybercrime in Ghana: Evidence from Senior High School in Brong Ahafo Region

Cybercrime, an offence that is committed against individuals through the internet has bedeviled the global online industry. Cybercrime is also criminal activity using internet facilities such as virus infections, identity theft and hacking. There is high risk of becoming a victim especially young internet user. All efforts to combat it have not worked much. The study examined the awareness of Senior High School students towards cybercrime in order to suggest policies to deal with this menace. The study underpinned by social strain theory. The study employed descriptive survey design. Simple sampling technique was used to select 200 students from Sunyani Senior High School. Questionnaire was used in eliciting responses. The study revealed that the major forms of cybercrime were hacking, credit card fraud, software piracy and cyber identity theft. Again, the study indicated that the major consequences involved in engaging in cybercrime are inimical to the progress and development of a country and tarnishing the country reputation. Gender had no significant influence on the knowledge of students towards cybercrime. We recommended that cybercrime court should be established in Ghana to speed up prosecution of cybercriminals and encourage more judges and lawyers to specialize in cyber law

Information and Communication Technology Assess and Use by Teachers of Community Health Nurses Training School in Adansi Fomena

Teaching using technologies has helped in making learning flexible, accommodating and increases potential learners. This study examines the information and communication technology assesses and use by teachers of community health nurses training school. The purposive sampling technique was used to select all the thirty teachers. The data was analysed using frequency, percentages, chi-square, bivariate correlation, t-test and linear regression. The study revealed that majority of the teachers has high competence level in ICT usage. The findings of the study showed that majority of the teachers have access to ICT tools such as computers, mobile phones, and personal digital assistants. The three major barriers hindering the integration of the use of ICT by teachers are inadequate teaching and learning materials, lack of time and high cost of ICT equipment. Results showed that ICT competence level positively and significantly correlate with access to ICT device. Again, male and female teachers ICT competence level were not significantly different from each other. We recommend that there is the need to implement policy direction to deal with issues such as provision of computer laboratories, staffing the laboratories with technology assistants in supporting ICT usage by teachers