AVAILABILITY AND UTILIZATION OF ICT TOOLS IN TEACHING AND LEARNING BIOLOGY IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NSUKKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract This study investigated the availability and utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools, specifically laptops, internet facilities, projectors, and interactive whiteboards, in the teaching and learning of Biology in secondary schools in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Guided by five research questions, the study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population comprised 1,170 individuals (1,120 SS1 Biology students and 50 Biology teachers), from which a sample of 124 participants was selected using simple random sampling. A checklist and a structured questionnaire served as instruments for data collection. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation.Findings revealed that the availability of ICT tools in the schools was generally low, with laptops and projectors each available in only 33.3 percent of the schools, and internet facilities and interactive whiteboards in 22.2 percent, resulting in a mean availability rate of 27.78 percent. In terms of utilization, laptops (mean 2.43), internet facilities (mean 2.33), projectors (mean 2.27), and interactive whiteboards (mean 1.98) were all used to a low extent in Biology instruction.Based on these findings, the study recommends increased investment in ICT infrastructure, consistent maintenance of existing tools, targeted teacher training programs, school-level ICT policy development, and the establishment of technical support units. These measures will enhance the effective integration of ICT into Biology education and promote improved student learning outcomes