           THE USE OF ICT IN TEACHING AND LEARNING BUSINESS STUDIES
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
There has been increasing interest in introducing innovations such as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the teaching and learning of Business studiesespecially when the Nigeria Education and Research Development Council (NERDC) introduced a modern curriculum into the school system. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) involves the use of computers and other electronic devices to process information. Nworgu (2008) stated that ICT refers to a whole range of facilities or technologies involved in information processing and electronic communication to be handled with skills and expertise, for effective achievement and realization of its potentials in Education. In the view of Valasidou (2008), ICT is an innovative instrumental tool that enables the educators to modify the teaching and learning processes in order to increase students’ interest. Brown (2009) explained that ICT is considered very crucial for the achievement of various educational objectives in terms of expanding the citizenry access to education at all levels and improving the quality of teaching and learning process.
In the explanation of Daniels (2002), the use of Information and Communication Technologies in the educative process has been divided into two broad categories: ICTs for education and ICTs in education. ICTs for education refers to the development of ICT specifically for teaching learning purposes, while the ICTs in education involves the adoption of general components of ICTs in the teaching learning process. Effiong (2005) emphasized that 1
ICT use in school curriculum depends highly on the teachers who will use ICT to teach the students. This requires that teachers should have the ability to incorporate ICT into teaching and learning. Okereke (2008) noted that, application of ICT to teaching and learning makes instructions more effective and productive. In this regard ICT is viewed as innovations that enable Business studiesteachers facilitate teaching and learning of English language.
Business studies is an academic subject that helps students to be exposed to realities of business practices. The subject is designed to introduce students to the foundational knowledge of the principles and practices of business. Okute (2008) opined that Business studies are the fundamental subject which has to do with acquisition, conservation and expedition of wealth. Osuala (2004) stated that Business studies help the students to make informed decisions in the everyday business of living. Obi (2005), explained that Business studies prepares students for several careers or enables those in that career become more efficient and advance to higher  positions in terms of speaking and writing. In the view of NERDC (2007), Business studies will enable the students to:
- acquire the basic knowledge of Business studies;
- develop the basic skills in office occupation;
- prepare for further training in Business studies
- have basic skills with which to start a life of work;
- have basic skills for personal use in future;
