EXPLORING THE PROSPECT OF INTRODUCING COMPUTER PROGRAMMING IN BASIC SCHOOLS

Authors

  • Y. Luu
  • B. B. Yendok
  • G. Ansoglenang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47740/407.UDSIJD6i

Abstract

This research was conducted to assess the feasibility of adding computer coding to the Basic level curricular of the Ghanaian Education System. The problem this study attempts to address is to pre-test the chances of this policy pronouncement not joining the growing trend of wasted effort in our national developmental drive due to lack of fundamental inputs. Two Districts of comparatively different standing in developmental status were purposively selected for the study. The study employed the mixed method design. Findings disclosed that the JHS students’ have good knowledge in ICT and Mathematics, which are critical for effective computer coding. All the sampled schools had a number of “RLG Laptops” but most of them were not functioning. Other logistics such as computer laboratories, projectors, printers and textbooks were rarely found. Aside the scarcity of these key logistics, the quality of the human resource (teachers) has impacted negatively on the program implementation. We observed that the students were good enough, and can cope with the program. The study recommended that adequate logistics and relevant human resource should be provided. To get it right from the start, we recommend that Ghana Education Services should be mandated to engage Computer Science Graduates for the program. Furthermore, Teacher Training Colleges should introduce the skills of teaching computer programming as a course so that the trained and licensed teachers can eventually teach ICT and coding. Lastly, Government should sufficiently finance GES to equip the various institutions to combat the logistics deficiency to enhance the success of the program.

Keywords: Basic Education, Programming Language, Coding, ICT Logistics

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How to Cite

Luu, Y., Yendok, B. B., & Ansoglenang, G. (2019). EXPLORING THE PROSPECT OF INTRODUCING COMPUTER PROGRAMMING IN BASIC SCHOOLS. UDS International Journal of Development, 6(3), 201–123. https://doi.org/10.47740/407.UDSIJD6i