Factors determining digital divide in Ghana's basic schools

Abstract

This paper explores the concept of digital divide (DD) in Ghana's basic schools in Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis in Western Region. We tested the ICT culture variables as well as school location factor in respect to school's digital divide. A survey sample contained 17 regional city schools from three different locations - central city in the region, towns away from the central city, and village schools. The survey instrument was developed with ten ICT culture variables. The variables in the instrument met the Cronbach's Alpha threshold value of α = 0.70. Data was analysed with Descriptive statistics, Hierarchical Cluster analysis, Independent t-test, and Canonical discriminant analysis. We found that school location did not determine the schools DD, nonetheless the schools were digitally divided, -2 clusters were found among schools. This DD was determined by certain ICT culture variables: Teacher's ICT competences and the usage of ICT in Teacher's professional practice were paramount.