INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND ITS INFLUENCE ON PRINCIPALS ADMINISTRATIVE EFFECTIVENESS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS (A CASE STUDY OF SOME SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN EBONYI STATE).

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND ITS INFLUENCE ON PRINCIPALS ADMINISTRATIVE EFFECTIVENESS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS (A CASE STUDY OF SOME SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN EBONYI STATE).

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

It is critical to note that in this study, the term “ICT” refers to a broad range of computerized information and communication technologies. These technologies include desktop computers, laptops, mobile devices, wired or wireless intranets, corporate productivity applications such as text editors and spreadsheets, enterprise software, data storage and security, network security, and others. Angie (2013). (2013). Institutional management information systems should be developed in order to provide accurate information records, reduce manual labor costs, improve staff communication, and support the organization’s strategic objectives and direction. School administrators are more concerned about school data storage and collection now than they were even a few years ago. Schools all over the world are utilizing information and communication technology (ICT) to increase academic efficiency while also providing improved stakeholder service. Various researchers have defined information and communication technology (ICT) from various perspectives. Mueen, Asadullah, Raed, and Jamshed (2013) define ICT as an electronic network comprised of complex hardware and software linked by a variety of technical protocols. According to Ufuophu and Agobami, ICTs include the Internet, satellite data transmission, cable data transmission, and computer-aided equipment (2012,). In contrast, information and communication technology (ICT) refers to facilities, tools, or resources that can be used to quickly process, store, maintain, access, retrieve, and distribute data. It has significant implications for education, transformation, and socioeconomic development as a growth engine and a tool for empowerment. Institutional management information systems should be developed to provide accurate information records while reducing manual labor.

costs, improve staff communication, and support the organization’s strategic objectives and direction. According to Bamidele (2015,) various researchers defined information administration as one aspect of overall administration of educational institutions, which primarily consists of general and day-to-day operational operations. As a result, the information administration cycle can be divided into three major components:

1. administration of students

2. personnel administration, and

3.general administration.

Student administration is an important aspect of information management. This includes a wide range of responsibilities, from admissions to learning activities to results processing and performance evaluation. This includes student inquiries about admissions, electronic admissions applications, computer registration / enrolment, course allotment, and the availability of information such as timetables / class schedules in electronic form. as attendance monitoring / maintenance via electronic media. Staff administration includes the recruitment and assignment of professors and employees in the institution, as well as attendance and leave management and performance evaluation. It also entails relevant communication with and from institutions, as well as among peers. Staff administration using information and communication technology (ICT) enables the timely, careful, and error-free processing of large amounts of data, making data retrieval easier (Thomas, 2004,). An important aspect of information administration is the general administration of the school management system, which covers the numerous day-to-day operations of the overall system. In general, for the administration’s overall performance, a solid communication system should be in place. ICT contributes to the provision of an effective communication system. in higher education, as well as timely information dissemination to all parties involved. As a result, administration has been expanded as a service activity or instrument in the institutional environment, allowing the core goals of the institutional process to be more effectively optimized when allocating people and material resources, as well as making the best use of available resources (Liverpool & Jacinta, 2013) Some of the various methods for incorporating technology into educational institution management are as follows (Angie, 2013,) Rather than printing and distributing alerts and agendas, send them via email to personnel. Lesson plans must be sent via email. To encourage technological advancement, ask parents to enter e-mail addresses on medical paperwork. Make developing a class Web site a requirement for all instructors.

Attend technology conferences to learn about what other schools and teachers are doing to integrate technology, as well as what administrators are doing to encourage students to use technology in their classrooms.

1.2 Problem description

Management information technology has the potential to solve many of the problems that educational institutions face. Poor staffing estimates, a lack of reliable student information, a lack of time to acquire information quickly, a lack of confidence or competence, and a lack of training are just a few examples. However, little or no research has been conducted on this topic, particularly in Somalia. This study aims to fill a research gap by examining information technology and its impact on secondary school principals’ administrative duties.

Ebonyi state performance.

1.3 The study’s purpose

The study’s primary goal is as follows:

1. Determine whether or not schools in Ebonyi state have an ICT department.

2. To assess the effectiveness of principal administration in secondary school ICT use.

3. To investigate the impact of ICT on the efficient operation of the school.

4. To determine whether the school’s ICT is regularly upgraded in order to ensure effective school administration.

5. To investigate how ICT can be improved in order to improve school administration.

1.4 Research Issues

For this study, the following questions have been prepared:

1) Does Ebonyi State have an ICT department in its schools?

2) What is it?

the effectiveness of principal administration in secondary school ICT use?

3) What role does ICT play in the efficient operation of the school?

4) Is the school’s ICT regularly upgraded in order to ensure effective administration?

5) How can ICT be improved to allow for more effective school administration?

1.5 Importance of the research

This study focuses on information technology and its impact on principals’ administrative effectiveness in secondary schools, so it will be useful to the ministry of education in emphasizing the importance of providing and regularly updating the ICT department in schools.

This study will benefit the academic community by adding to the existing literature.

1.6

The study’s scope

This study investigates whether or not schools in Ebonyi state have an ICT department. The study will also assess the effectiveness of principal administration in secondary school ICT use. More specifically, the study will investigate the impact of ICT on the efficient operation of the school. Furthermore, the study will look into whether or not the school’s ICT is regularly upgraded in order to ensure effective administration. Finally, the research will look into how ICT can be improved to help with school administration. As a result, this study will be restricted to a few selected secondary schools in Ebonyi state.

1.7 Study Restrictions

A number of factors hampered this study, which are as follows:

just like any other research, from a lack of needed accurate materials on the topic under study to an inability to obtain data

The researcher faced financial constraints in obtaining relevant materials as well as printing and collating questionnaires.

Time constraint: Another constraint is time, which makes it difficult for the researcher to shuttle between writing the research and engaging in other academic work.

1.8 Terms Definition

ICT stands for information and communication technology.

Administrative effectiveness is defined as a positive response to administrative efforts and actions undertaken with the intention of achieving stated goals.