Ensuring Future Resilience beyond ICT and Online Teaching and Learning of Social Studies in Ghanaian Senior High Schools: Lessons from COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The emergence of COVID-19 posed unprecedented challenges to all spheres of social life, including education. To mitigate these educational challenges, students and teachers were urged to adapt to online teaching and learning. This led to numerous studies on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and online education. However, little attention has been given to resilient mechanisms beyond ICT, particularly in Social Studies. This study, therefore, aimed to identify the challenges encountered by students and teachers in teaching and learning Social Studies during the COVID-19 school closures and to explore holistic resilient approaches to withstand future unforeseen contingencies. An explanatory sequential mixed-method design was employed, involving 300 Form Three students from senior high schools and 15 Social Studies teachers. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS Version 20, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The study identified several challenges, including lack of technical support, high data costs, unstable or no Internet connection, absence of television or radio, inadequate electricity supply, insufficient textbook ownership, and lack of self-learning materials. Resilient mechanisms suggested by participants include the development of online learning infrastructure, provision of technical support, distribution of ICT and online learning equipment to economically disadvantaged students, use of solar-powered or battery-operated learning devices, expansion of school infrastructure, and provision of adequate self-learning and informative textbooks. It was concluded that implementing these resilient mechanisms can prevent disruptions in Social Studies education during future pandemics. The study recommended curriculum reforms to design more informative textbooks and suggested further research including all major educational stakeholders to identify additional resilient strategies.