Relevance of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) for Effective Skill Development among Technology Education Students in Nigeria

Abstract

The main purpose of the study reported is to show how computer assisted instruction (CAI) has significantly impacted on all aspects of our live particularly on education, it has radically influenced the way knowledge and information are generated, developed and transmitted in technology education. Every technology teacher must be acquainted with how to apply CAI in teaching technology education programme since teachers have a vital role in trainees skill development. Therefore, this study was designed to determine relevance of computer assisted instruction for effective skill development among technology education students in Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study was guided by two research questions and two hypotheses, tested at 0.05% level of significance. The respondents for the study comprised of 310 technology vocational teachers.  Mean and standard deviation were used to analyse the research questions, while t-test statistics was employed to test the hypotheses. The findings of the study among others revealed that technology vocational teachers should be skilful in using CAI in the production  of  teaching materials that can be used in developing appropriate skills, incorporate the  use of media and technology for teaching where appropriate and technology vocational teachers teaching and managing courses through web-based system. It was recommended that Federal government should ensure that her policy statement regarding the provision of necessary infrastructure and training for use of computer in the school system is effectively implemented and making it mandatory for technology vocational teachers  in developing computer skills needed in classroom environment. This could be achieved through adequate financial provision for tools and resources.

Key words: Computer assisted instruction, Technology education, Technical vocational teachers, and Skill development.