AWARENESS AND PERCETION OF EDUCATORS IN ENUGU ZONE ON THE USE OF SOME ICT PLATFORMS: WHATSAPP, FACEBOOK AND ZOOM IN DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION ON COVID-19

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic has grossly affected life in all ramifications. For education in Nigeria, it has been brought to a halt. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is the difference. While measures are being set in place to re-strategize and re-adapt, it is pertinent to examine the use of ICT in the management of COVIV-19 pandemic. Experts found that physical distancing, regular and adequate hand washing (with water and soap, or hand sanitizer), and correct use of face masks are notable preventive means for the control. Dissemination of information has only been made possible via the use of ICT platforms. This study examined the Awareness and Perception of Educators in Enugu Zone on the Use of Some ICT Platforms in this regard. ICT Platform Questionnaire (QICTPLA) of ten (10) items, face validated by three experts and trial - tested in Nsukka Zone, was used as instrument for data collection. Its reliability was found to be 0.88 using Cronbach Alpha from SPSS version 20. Multistage sampling technique was used from the 294 Government schools in Enugu State. Percentages (%) from MS Excel were used in analysing collected data. Awareness for the use of WhatsApp and Facebook in dissemination of information was 100%, 99.95%. For the use of zoom, awareness was 65%. The Educators’ Perception on the use of WhatsApp, Facebook and zoom were respectively 89%, 72% and 49%. Challenges were poor electricity supply, high cost of data and poor ICT skills acquisition. Training of Principals was recommended so that fairly Physical school may resume soonest.