7 ISSUES AND CHALLENGES IN THE APPLICATIONS OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) TO HUMAN KINETICS AND SPORTS

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to take a look at the issues and challenges in the applications of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to Human Kinetics (Physical Education) and sports programmes. ICT is simply a set of activities which facilitate the process, transmission and display of information, using modern electronic devices, principally the computer, the internet and other devices such as the telephone, television and others. Digital Divide is the gap between the individuals, households or geographical areas which are of different socio-economic leagues with regards to their opportunities or ability to have access to ICT and their use of the internet for a variety of activities. Human Kinetics and sports are integral parts of the educational system therefore, make use of ICT facilities just like any subject or discipline in education in line with global trends. To adequately explore the antecedents on this discourse, the following areas were examined: the Digital Divide, issues in Human Kinetics and, sports programmes, challenges and contributions of ICT to Human Kinetics and sports programmes, summary, conclusion and recommendations.

Preamble

Modern technology these days have shown great developments and reforms in this present 21st century, which is apparently moving fast toward globalization. As a result of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), information and communication gap have never been drawn closer to the door steps of mankind as in recent dispensation.

Information Communication Technology (ICT) is simply a set of activities which facilitate the process, transmission and display of information using modern electronic devices, principally the computer, the internet and other devices such as the telephone, television, etc (Lee, 2004). Proper availability of the right kind of information is however important for realization of the right policy programmes for economic development. Economic development without appropriate educational system to facilitate its operational tendencies may meet with little meaning, and as a result may run into a hitch.

According to Cooke (2004), education is the bedrock of any civilization and without adequate information and communication technology skills, it will result in a slow process to flourish. The Nigeria education system needs modern development in line with globalization to actualize its dreams and it is therefore imperative to harness all avenues to ensure the depository and flow of information to her every day existence.

However, among the subject domains in the education field are Human Kinetics and sports. Human Kinetics is an integral aspect of the total process of education which uses Human Movement activities for an all-round development of the individual. According to Ojeme (1998) Physical Education should be defined as an organised field of knowledge concerned with the study of man and his movement and the variety of applications to life in society. Sports is an institutionalised game governed by rules and regulations and that can be participated in from the amateur to the professional level of attainment.

The applications of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Nigeria education system with particular reference to issues and challenges in Human Kinetics and sports programmes is what this paper seeks to address.

In addressing the issues and challenges in Human Kinetics and sports programmes, the following were highlighted: the concept of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Nigeria and the digital divide issues and challenges, contributions of ICT to Human Kinetics and sports programmes among others.

The Concept of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

According to the Asian Development Bank ADB (2003), IT is an electronic means by which activities, such as processing, transmission and display of information are facilitated. Uwaje (2005) defined ICT as information transmission technology built on the potentials of electronic communication equipment, for connecting and accessing various ends in the information pathway.

Greenidge (2007) sees ICT as those technologies that can be used to interlink information technology devices such as personal computers with communication technologies such as telephone and their communication networks. According to Obenobe and Atjeromavwo (2009), it can be infered from these definitions, that the concept of ICT connotes sophisticated technologies designed for monitoring, gathering and display of geospatial information. These technologies include the satellites, personal computer, Computer Support Internet, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Planning Systems (GPS) Remote Sensing and others.

The Technical Agriculture and Rural Co-operation CTA (2003), defined ICT as technologies that facilitate communication, processing and transmission of information by electronic means that embrace a multitude of other simple communication devices such as telephone (mobile or fixed line), television, radio, audio cassette or compact disc (cd) recorders/players, video tapes or VCD/DVD record/players, faxes and telex.

According to United Nation Development Programme, UNDP (2001), the definition of ICT should encompass a comprehensive outlook of the components and versatile aspects of the concept and must include not only the digital technologies of computers that embrace local area network, metropolitan and Wide Area Network internet technologies, but the older technologies of print, radio and television that have been used extensively in the dissemination of information. They must include ‘old’ ICT of radio, television and telephone and the ‘new’ ICT of computers, satellite and wireless technology and the internet (Lee, 2004).

Nigeria and the Digital Divide

The Digital Divide is the gap between individuals, households or geographical areas which are of different socio-economic leagues with regards to their opportunities or ability to have access to ICT and their use of the internet for a variety of activities. In other words, there is disparity amongst countries, just as there is amongst individuals in their ability to have access to information and the advantages of the inherent potentials of the internet in particular and ICT in general. Although, the divide is most obvious between developing and developed countries, it is worth noting that the divide also exists even amongst developed countries (Finks & Kennedy, 2003).

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO) World Employment Report (2001) as cited by Aduge and Ogheneguke (2009), nearly 90% of all internet users are in developed countries with USA and Canada accounting for about 57%. In Nigeria, the rate of development of the ICT sub-sector has been very phenomenal over the past decade. This is due to the fact that some developing countries have been able to overcome some of the technical hitches of technological development faced by developed countries (Finks & Kennedy, 2003).

In comparison with some other African countries, Mike (2003) noted that the rate of ICT development and ICT diffusion in Nigeria until recently is not in any way comparable to that of Egypt, South Africa and Botswana, Ndukwe (2004). Aduge and Ogheneguke (2009) regret that in terms of teledensity which is the number of telephone lines per 100 of the population and personal computer penetration, Nigeria still ranks below countries like Egypt, South Africa and Botswana with figures less than 60%. Sweden for example tops the list of world leaders in e-learning.

Issues of ICT in Human Kinetics and Sports Programmes

Human Kinetics and sports are both science-related disciplines and are embedded in the science domain. Both are very interrelated and require the use of ICT to function very well in this era of globalization. The issues of ICT in Human Kinetics and sports programmes are as follows:

1. Low Level of Accessibility to the Internet: The low level of accessibility to the internet is a major problem to Human Kinetics and sports programmes. This is affecting the smooth flow of information about sports news from all over the world, and the short-fall in retrieving information from the net. Network problem has equally been a contributory factor to this problem (Mobelaji, 2006).

2. Epileptic Power Supply: The ICT as it is, needs electricity to function effectively and functionally, but unfortunately it is a scarce commodity in Nigeria. Huge sums of money amounting into millions of dollars have been wasted in a bid to upgrade the existing Mega Watts, but to no avail (Mobalaji, 2006).

3. Low Level of Income: This is one of the most important factors inhibiting economic development of ICT in developing countries.Income level in most develping countries is still far less than average, and this is made more challenging by unemployment and high inflation rate (Mike, 2003).

4. Low Level of Education: In most developing countries there is absolutely a low level of education among its populace, and there is the tendency for this to seriously affect the awareness and use of ICT. Even if a reasonable proportion of the population can afford a personal computer, the basic and necessary skills and prerequisites of the potential of ICT is lacking because of high illiteracy level. This can affect Human Kinetics and sports programme, since it is not possible for ICT programmes to be effected without adequate knowledge (Ndukwe, 2004)

5. Low Level of Computer Literacy: The total number of educated persons when compared to those who are computer literate is low. There are computer centres almost everywhere in our cities, advertising for students to become computer literate. A large number of Human Kinetics experts and sports men and women do not offer themselves the opportunities to be computer literate. (Okon, 2007).

6. Environmental and Climate Problems: Environmental and climatic problems are compounding the problem of the effectiveness and efficiency of ICT in Human Kinetics and sports programmes. Certain geographical locations are difficult to locate networks, especially in the rural areas, and climatic conditions of a given area will predispose it to clarity of network in ICT programmes. Stormy weather may bring about serious destructions to telecommunication masts and antennae, which may require time and money to replace.

 

The Challenges and Contributions of ICT to Human Kinetics and Sports Programmes

Due to modern globalization, the following are the challenges and contributions of ICT to Human Kinetics and sports programmes:

1. The Need to be Computer Literate

There is the need for every Human Kinetics professionals and other practitioners in sports, athletes and coaches to be computer literate in order to be abreast with modern ICT programmes. Being familiar with the computer and internet will open lee ways to globalization.

2. Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

According to Hellmick and Rubin (2003), recent medical research and technology has led to the development of new sets of training techniques, wrist-worn heart rate monitors. Global Positioning System (GPS) use coded satellite signals that provide accurate coordinates to determine exact location. GPS technology has been integrated into the sports and fitness industries and incorporated into sports watches that are commonly used by runners and cyclists (Magill,2000). The integration of GPS technology into the watches makes it possible to determine the distance traveled, speed, and the system includes a GPS receiver and a watch monitor which are connected by a radio signal. The receiver (typically strapped to the upper arm) get the signal from a satellite and sends it to the watch for immediate feedback (Magill,200).

3. Ergonomics

Ergonomics also known as human factors engineering is a discipline that helps to develop tools and place setting that put the least amount of strain on the body. Biomechanical principles are used to help identify movements and positions that put individuals at greater risks for specific injuries and micro-trauma. One application of ergonomics is the design of effective workstations for computer users (Corbin &Welk, 2004).

4. Automated External Defibrillator

One form of new technology for saving lives is the automated external defibrillator (AED). After identifying cardiac arrest and performing cardio-respiratory resuscitation CPR, if ventricular filtration (chaotic electrical activity to heart muscle) occurs, it may be necessary to “shock” the heart back to a normal rhythm. The AED has a heart rhythm analysis system, which advises the operator when a “shock” is appropriate. The operator must then take action to deliver the shock (America College of Sports, Medicine, 2000).

5. Stretching Rope

An advance in equipment technology for flexibility training is the development of “stretching” ropes. These ropes have multiple loops which enable individuals to change the length of the rope and perform variety of exercises (Alter, 1996).

6. Resistance Training Equipment

Over the years, there have been major changes and developments in resistance training machines and recent developments, have allowed machines to overcome some of the well-known limitations. For example, many new machines allow movements to take place in multiple dimensions to allow for converging and diverging movements and independent arm function. Some examples include the cyber VRZ line, the Paramount ART line and the Actuate Line by Pacific Fitness. These machines provide additional variety for stretch training and a more natural motion (National Strength and Conditioning Association, 2004).

7. Healthy Eating Index

The United States Development of Agriculture (USDA) Centre for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) has recently made its healthy eating index (HEI) available for free by consumers. This online dietary assessment uses the most comprehensive database of foods available and features one easy-to-use interface to analyze foods (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2000).

8. The Segway HT

Recently, a personal movement device known as the segway, Human Transport (HT) has become available on the market. These devices utilise a gyroscopic system to assist in balancing and a small system to assist in balancing and a small electric motor to propel people around. The manufactures of the segway HT emphasise that increased use of the segway HT in society will have tremendous benefits on our society and this will shift away from car traffic and could indirectly encourage more walking (Tate; Wing & Winett 2000).

9. Modern Facilities and Equipment

New modern facilities, equipment and sophisticated supplies are being produced, replacing the old ones. Smith (2006) opined that, new paving materials, new types of equipment, improved landscapes, new construction materials, new shapes of swimming pools, partial shelters and synthetic grass are just a few of the many new developments. Facilities are moving from use of regular glass to either plastic and fiberglass panel or to overhead skydome. Light weight fiberglass, sandwich panels, or fabricated sheets of translucent fiberglass laminated over an aluminum framework are popular (Asher, 2000). Equipment and implements like Javelin, spike shoes, soccer boots amongst others are now being made lighter to meet up with latest technology, and modern sensitive electronics score boards are made and placed at strategic places during competitions.

10. Research and Publication

According to Oboh and Ovuema (2009), research and publications are not left out of the modern trends, for computers have replaced manual typewriters and access to important information is now easily accessible from the internet via websites. Recent research findings and publications around the globe can be instantly retrieved via internet services. Desktops and laptops computers of various sizes and capacities are now available for research methods and statistical analysis, and they have proved useful in Human Kinetics and sports programmes (Ropeik& Gray, 2001; US Department of Health Human Service, 2000).

11. Random Doping Test

To curb the menace of the intake of performance enhancing drugs, the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) and other sports associations are embarking on random doping test on athletes. These tests are done during training and even at athletes’ homes unannounced. This is to reduce to the barest minimum the use of performance enhancing drugs in sports by athletes. This advanced technology has helped to reduce the incidence of drug abuse and cheating in sports (Ropiek& Gray, 2001).

12. Measurement of Laboratory Test

The ICT over the years has been employed during measurement laboratory tests in Human Kinetics and sports in the following protocols;

i. Treadmill Protocol: Vo2max can be predicted from submaximal exercise duration. It can be estimated by equations that use the heart rate to exercise at different submaximal intensities accompanied by the ACSM equation for steady-state Vo2 (Roberg&Keteyian, 2003).

ii. Cycle-Ergometer Protocols: Bicycle ergometer tests are commonly used to measure and predict oxygen intake. One of the most common submaximal cycle ergometer protocols used to predict Vo2max was developed by the YMCA (Golding, Meryers& Shining, 1989).

iii. Lactate and Ventilatory Threshold: Lactate threshold (LT) is the term used to denote the intensity of exercise when there is a abrupt increase in lactate accumulation in blood or muscle. The best measure of success in running events longer than 1500m for running, and also in long-distance road cycling is the pace or Vo2 at the lactate threshold (LT). The intensity of LT reflects an individual’smaxminal steady-state intensity. Research has continually revealed very high correlation (<0.9) between the pace at the LT and some expressions of race performance (time, average, pace, etc) (Londeree, 1986, Sjodin&Svedenhag, 1985: Tanaka & Matsuura, 1984).

iv. Measurement of Field Tests: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) had equally been very useful in the measurement of field tests in Human Kinetics and sports programmes in the following tests.

• Coopers 1.5 Miles Run: The 1/5Mi test, originally developed by Kenneth Cooper, is a popular test used to predict cardiovascular fitness. This test is conducted on a four hundred meter track. After subjects have warmed up, they walk, jog or run as fast as they can 6 items around track. Oxygen uptake is predicted by a formula.
• Rockport Walk Test: The Rockport walk test is an excellent test to predict cardiovascular fitness, especially for sedentary individuals. Individuals are instructed to “walk” as fast they can for 1-mi and then record their heart rate at the end of the walk. Vo2max is predicted by using a multiple regression equation developed by Kline and Colleagues (Robergs & Keteyian, 2003).
• Step Tests: The 3-min step test predicts oxygen uptake from the recovery heart rate following 3 min of stepping. The test is conducted on a bench 161½ in height. A metronome should set to 88 counts, or 22 steps/min for women, and 96 counts or 24 steps/min for men. At the signal to start subjects step to a four-step cadence (up-up-down-down). At the end of 3 mins, the subject remains standing and a 15-a pulse rate is recorded between 5 to 20s recovery (Robergs&Keteyian, 2003).

14. Muscle Metabolite Accumulation (Anaerobic Capacity)

The rate ATP regeneration cannot be measured directly, but often estimated by sampling muscle tissue and assaying for key intermediates of glycogenolysis and glycolysis. It is assumed that during intense muscle contractions, there is minimal muscle blood flow resulting from high intramuscular pressures. Consequently, muscle contraction occurs in a closed system where the accumulation of glycoltic intermediates, reflects glucose-6-phospate flux through glycolysis, from which ATP regeneration can be estimated (Kelly, 2001).

15. Accumulated Oxygen Deficit (Anaerobic Capacity)

An indirect and noninvasive method for determining anaerobic capacity is to estimate the total energy requirements of exercise by calculating the theoretical Vo2 required for the exercise intensity and subtracting from this value the measured Vo2. Exercise is usually performed on a cycle ergometer or tread-mill, and the difference between these two integrated values has been termed the accumulated oxygen deficit and has been argued to reflect anaerobic capacity (Kelly, 2001, Robergs & Keteyian, 2003).

Summary

Information and Communication Technology is an electronic means by which activities, such as processing, transmission and display of information are facilitated. The Digital Divide in Nigeria is still very high, in other words, there is disparity amongst countries just like amongst individuals in their ability to have access to information.

The issue of ICT in Human Kinetics was viewed as the problem that limits the effectiveness and efficiency of ICT to Human Kinetics and sports programmes and they are: low level of accessibility to the internet, epileptic power supply, low level of income and education and low level of computer literacy as well as environmental and climatic problems. The challenges and contributions to ICT to Human Kinetics and sports programmes ranged from: global positioning system (GPS), ergonomics, automated external defibrillator, stretching rope and resistance training equipment to anaerobic capacity tests.

Recommendations

The following were the recommendations drawn for this study:

1. All Human Kinetics experts and sports professionals, athletes, coaches and practitioners should endeavour to be computer literate.
2. Efforts should be made for students and lecturers of Human Kinetics to store their research works and publications in the computers and flash drive for preservation purpose.
3. Information and Communication Technology related courses should be introduced at departmental levels in Human Kinetics as a core subject
4. Human Kinetics students should have uninterrupted access to the internet services at departmental level.
5. The epileptic power supply should be addressed by the government of the day so as to provide power source for internal services.
6. Alternative power supply should be provided by universities for twenty four hours access to the internet for students and lecturers
7. Computers and its accessories should be provided in large number at Human Kinetics departments and sports centres.

Conclusion

The application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Nigeria education system is not as encouraging as expected because of numerous associated problems in the system. The issues and challenges will help educationist especially in the field of Human kinetics and sports to evaluate the problems inhibiting the full potentials of ICT to the two disciplines, and how far it has been done and put in place solutions to update the Digital Divide in not only Human Kinetics and sports, but in all other disciplines in Nigeria educational sphere. By so doing the issue would be surmounted and challenges met.

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