E- Classroom of the 21st Century: Information Gaps

Abstract

The introduction of  technology into the classroom  has revolutionized  teaching and learning process. The 21^st century learning environment creates exciting learning for students to collaborate and learn at their own pace making them active participants in learning process. The teacher is nolonger a dictator, pouring knowledge into passive learners like empty vessels ready to be filled but a facilitator of teaching and learning process. Teachers need  to be well informed about the use technology and  the benefits of ICT resources in teaching and learning process.

The study investigated E- Classroom  of the 21^st Century: Information Gaps. The study employed the quasi experimental research of  the pre-test, post- test control group design. The population for the study consisted of all secondary school students in Ekiti State. The sample consisted of 80 students selected through purposive sampling technique. A 15 item research  instrument titled 21^st century E- Classroom Achievement Test (ECAT) was used for the study. The validity of the instrument was ascertained by ICT and test and measurement experts. The reliability was determined using test- retest method. The reliability co-efficient of  0.75 was obtained  using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis. The data collected were analysed using t-test and ANOVA. The hypothesis was  tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that the students exposed to the ICT package performed  better than those from the controlled group who were exposed to conventional method of  teaching. Based on the findings, it was recommended that teachers should employ varieties of techniques using  technology resources in their teaching repertoire to enhance students academic achievement.

Keywords: 21^st century, E-classroom, ICT resources, Information Gaps