CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been recognized to be a vital tool for solving communication problems the world over. Information involves knowledge acquired in any manner, ideas and facts that have been communicated or any data that can be stored and retrieved in machine which are readable (Ibrahim 2003).
Communication also is a process of passing information. It is simply an interpretative medium of self-expression (Hadiza, 1999). In the teaching and learning situation, communication goes on between two or more individuals for the purpose of giving and receiving information in line with stated objectives. Effective communication seeks to emphasize the human approach and the importance of the individual beliefs and perception (Iwuozor, 2003).
| 1 |
Technology on the other hand refers to the new machines, equipment and ways of doing things that are based on modern knowledge about science and computers (Iwuozor, 2003). Technology is essential to because it provides instruments and techniques that enable observations of objects and phenomena that are otherwise unobservable owing to factors such as quantity, distance, location, size and speed. Information Technology provides tools for investigation, inquiry and analysis (Iwuozor, 2003).
Information and Communication Technology according to Offorma, Eze and Egbe, (2009) refers to the technologies that are used for collecting, storing, editing, and passing information in various forms. In its most broad usage, ICT according to Adebayo (2002) comprises the use of computers, radio, satellites, online safe-learning packages, telepresence systems interactive CDs, video, internet optical fibre technologies and all types of Information Technology (IT) hardware and software. Information Communication Technology (ICT) is the processing and maintenance of information and the use of all forms of computer, communication, network and mobile technologies to mediate information (Ndubuisi, Okafor and Nwachukwu, 2011). ICT includes all media employed in transmitting audio, video, data or multimedia such as cable and satellite among others.
In the context of this study, Information Communication Technology embraces all modern systems for processing Information and Communication in data, text, image and voice using computer as the central focus. Computer according to Udoh (2010) is an electronic device, which accepts information, applies information, applies prescribed processes and supplies information. He went on to say that “the world market has become homogenized due to Information Communication Technology (ICT) via computer. Information and Communication Technology has affected the world in so many ways. It has led to globalization. The entire world has been reduced to a small village where people can readily communicate with each other. Store information around the world can be located within a short time through the internet.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT), therefore, can be defined as the way of handling and processing information (texts, images, graphs, charts, pictures and instructions among others) for use by means of electronic and communication devices such as computers, cameras, telephones among others (Ozoji, 2003).
Information and communication technology is daily giving rise to new concepts, new idea and making impact not only in the industries/business but also in education. ICT has simplified education through the application of electronics media, internet among others. According to Ndukwe (2006), the production of calculators and computers worldwide has helped in simplifying teaching and learning in schools. Information Communication Technology according to Noll (2006) is a high technology which consists of the various means of obtaining and transferring information using computers, telecommunication and micro-electronics.
Learning with ICT in this sense provides students with a world of opportunity, global communication with peers, access to timely and relevant information, sources, engagement in rich, relevant task based on real situation and data. Information and communication technology also makes it possible to examine and analyse simultaneously different representations of the same content which can be presented in various formats on different multi-media supports (texts, pictures, photos, diagrams, maps, statistics, videos, graphics, audio documents) (Ajewole 2003).
However, the digital imbalance of access to ICT is felt more in less developed nations than in developed nations. In Nigeria for example, many problems including underfunding, mismanagement of resources, lack of training and unavailability of technological equipment, low level of appreciation of the whole idea of information and communication technology among others, have prevented the adequate integration of information Communication Technology into various professions in Nigeria, including counselling (Ali, 1999).
Information Communication Technologies are now vital ingredients in the competitiveness of business organizations. The impact of information communication Technologies upon organizations has become even more important (Burton, 2006). The impact of new Information Communication Technology, especially those of electronic network and digital storage and transfer have really increased the possibilities for information transfer and communication on both North-South and South-South axis (Cooke 2008). There is hardly any undertaking of people, be it academics, businesses, or entertainment that has not been greatly affected for better by these recent development in Information Communication Technology (Ivowi, 2002). The dynamic nature of information suggests that it is not static. Information keeps changing in consonance with emerging needs, changes and demands.
We live in a complex , busy and changing world. Counselling from a layman’s view deals with problem solving where there arises many different types of experiences that are difficult to cope with. Most times, we get on with life, but sometimes, we are stopped in our tracks by an event or situation that we do not at that moment have the resources to sort out. Most of the time, we find ways of dealing with such problems of living by talking to family, friends, neighbours, priest or our family doctors. Counselling has however moved from this narrow and parochial nature to a more comprehensive level, where professionals are now being trained and equipped with relevant skills to handle the numerous problems in secondary schools.
Counselling is that professional assistance according to Unachukwu (2006) which takes place in a one-to-one relationship between an individual troubled by problems with which he cannot cope alone and a professional worker whose training and experience have qualified him to help others reach solutions to various types of personal difficulties. It is a personalized interaction between the client experiencing a problem and the counsellor who tries to help him. According to Ezeji (2001), counselling service is defined as a process of direct contacts with the individual aids to offer assistance in changing attitudes and behaviours. He further maintains that counselling consist of definitely structured, permissive relationship which allows the students to gain an understanding of himself to a degree which enables him to take positive steps in the light of new orientation.
Counselling service aims at an encounter that is reassuring, stimulating, restructuring, adjusting and developing for the individual. Counselling services as noted by Iwunna (1991) is a learning process designed to increase adaptive behaviour and to decrease maladaptive behaviour. It is an attempt or help given to an individual to bring out those qualities in him that conform with the norms of the society. Continuing, he maintains that, it is a learning process in which individuals learn about themselves, their interpersonal relations and behaviours that advance their personal development in educational counseling, vocational counseling and personal-socio counselling aspects.
Educational counselling according to Ifelunni (2003) is aimed at assisting both youths and their parents to develop educational plans that will help them plan their school work. The planning is such that they benefit from their school work and hence able to progress to the next level of schooling. Vocational counselling aims at assisting a person match his personal attributes and his background with suitable jobs and employment opportunities (Ifelunni, 2003).
