ICT KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND USAGE AMONG TEACHERS AND STUDENTS OF CAPE COAST SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF IN CAPE COAST

ABSTRACT This study was to find out the level of ICT knowledge, skills, and utilization among teachers and students in teaching and learning at the Cape Coast School for the Deaf. Twenty-eight (28) teachers and forty (40) students were randomly sampled from the population which included all teachers and students of the school, numbering onehundred and forty (140). A questionnaire was administered to the teachers and students, and an interview was conducted with some teachers, to collect data for the study. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to analyse the data. The results of the study indicated that the level of ICT knowledge and skills of majority of the teachers was high. Also, the study revealed that the level of teachers‟ ICT knowledge and skills positively influence their usage of ICT for teaching. Again, it was found out that the higher the knowledge and skills, the lower the challenges faced. The study further revealed that the level of knowledge and skills among the students was relatively high. It was also found that students faced some challenges in using ICT for teaching. Finally, it emerged that the difference in the level of ICT knowledge and skills between male and female students was not statistically significant. The study concluded that the use of ICT for teaching and learning should be enhanced by providing the resources and personnel to help the teachers and students. It is recommended that the teachers and students should be given access to the use of computers and the Internet. Also, in-service training should be organized regularly for the teachers, by the Ghana Education Service.