THE EFFECT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF CHEMISTRY STUDENTS IN OBIOAKPOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT, RIVERS STATE

ABSTRACT This study examined the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on chemistry students' academic performance in secondary schools. The research explores innovative teaching methodologies to enhance student engagement and understanding. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 100 students and 10 teachers through structured questionnaires. The study addresses three research questions: ICT usage compared to traditional methods, effectiveness of specific ICT tools, and challenges encountered. The findings reveal that students prefer ICT-based instruction, which significantly enhances engagement and understanding. Interactive software and online resources are the most effective tools for fostering comprehension. However, challenges such as limited access to devices and poor internet connectivity hinder effective ICT integration. The study aligns with existing literature and theoretical frameworks, including Constructivism and Engagement Theory. It concludes that ICT holds substantial potential to improve academic performance and student engagement but addressing infrastructural and training challenges is crucial. Recommendations include improving ICT infrastructure, teacher training, and integrating ICT into chemistry curricula. Future research should investigate effective ICT implementation strategies and its impact on student outcomes.