APPRAISAL OF ICT COMPETENCIES OF TEACHERS IN THE TEACHING OF DATA PROCESSING IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL IN AWKA SOUTH L.G.A

Generally, there are six steps in data prOcessing circle and three main data processing methods- manual, mechanical and electronic: Data processing starts with data in its raw form and converts it into a more readable format (graphs, documents, etc), giving it the form and context necessary to be interpreted by computers and utilized by employees throughout an organization. Data processing can be done using three methods i.e., manual, mechanical, and electronic. The aim is to increase the ralue of information and facilitate decision- making The objectives of the syllabus from the NERDC Curriculum on Data processing provides that candidates will be tested on: (1) Acquisition of basic skills of data processing and management (11) Level of competence in ICT applications that will prOmote the acquisition of entrepreneurial skills for everyday livring in the global world (ii1) Knowledge in the application of ICT in facilitating business transactions and education. (1v) Preparedness for further studies in data processing and management. Although there are three methods of data processing ie., manual, mechanical, and electronic teachers have been using the manual and sometimes the mechanical methods. The above objectives endorsed by NERDC however, suggests strongly the teaching of data processing using ICT: which is the electronic data processing method. Teachers' competence greatly influences any innovation and curriculum adjustment that necessitates any change in content and methods. However, effective teaching of electronic data processing in Secondary schools may not be adequate if teachers who implemnent the curriculum lack the necessary competencies. The problem of this study is to highlight teachers' competencies in data collection, preparation, input, processing, output and storage.