Perceived Challenges of Computer Based Education in Nigeria

Abstract

Education in the new era is the result of vast development of information technology and it comes with challenges that must be addressed. Original approach towards teaching in Nigeria at all levels was based on traditional method whereby instructors offer students basic knowledge. Technology is changing rapidly in all fields of our life; various types of technology are used for communication. Computers especially, laptops, ipads, tablets, smart phones and softwares are just a few to name of technologies students are using today. A challenge in developing nation (Nigeria) is to learn to utilize digital literacies in ways that facilitates the highest level of learning possible. Nigeria as a nation is in much quest for new innovative teaching and learning but they are still lagging behind, however, this cannot continue, hence this paper critically identified and examined the challenges facing the nation. This study employed survey research methods. The sample of the research was chosen by stratified and simple random sampling method. The sample comprises of ninety selected schools across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. Eight respondents were randomly selected from each school and this made the total number of respondents to be seven hundred and twenty. The ex-post facto research design was employed in the study. Four research questions and hypotheses were formulated to guide the study (investigation via questionnaire validated by experts in research method and statistics. The reliability co-efficient was computed to be .78. The data collected were analysed through the application of chi-square (x²-value). All the null hypotheses were rejected indicating that many challenges exist in both urban and rural setting. Challenges discovered from the findings are: Challenges related to time and crowded classroom especially in urban schools. Absence of computer laboratories for use at free periods. Teachers/students have access to computer only during the lesson periods when one or two computers are brought to the class of 45 minutes with pupils/students populations of 40-60. Only urban schools have this opportunity. Challenges related to finance which make it impossible to provide enough technology in schools. Poor electricity supply or none at all in some rural areas. Non-availability of internet facilities and internet services amongst others. Based on the findings, recommendations were made to include; since computer based technology requires huge amount of money, government should make fund available to provide internet, computer and other accessories to both rural and urban schools. Need for capacity building-training and re-training. In order to ensure better integration of computer-based technology in schools teachers have to be well trained and oriented in the strategies and technical manoeuvring of these technologies for pedagogical and administrative process to achieve success. The paper ended by drawing conclusion.

Keywords: computer-based.  Education. Challenges & developing nation