Abstract:
ICT is an increasingly powerful tool for participating in global markets,
promoting political accountability, improving the delivery of basic
services and enhancing local development opportunities. In Sri Lanka,
Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) is the
single apex body which involves in ICT policy and direction for the
nation. This research paper aims at assessing ICT usages in Government
schools which have high impact on the education sector. It is important
to discuss the ICT in the educational sector with the key issues and
implementation bottlenecks in country like Sri Lanka. Primary Sampling
Units (PSU) are Government schools. Secondary Sampling Units (SSU)
are school principals and ICT teachers. This study is a complete survey
which covers all government schools in Ampara District. Data were
collected by primary source using questionnaire. Secondary data were
also collected from Census Report. Descriptive statistics, correlations
and regression analysis techniques were used to analysis the data.
Assessing ICT usages in Government school is inevitable especially in
Eastern Province. This research assesses ICT usages and its
implementation bottlenecks and its related issues. Lack of computer lab,
lack of ICT teachers, cost of computers and components, less motivation
towards ICT, lack of IT & English literacy and lack of Internet
connectivity were identified as the primary bottlenecks. Identified
typical issues were related to ICT implementation. Possible suggestions
were also put forward to the relevant Government bodies for their future
implementation.
