AVAILABILITY AND USAGE OF TECHNOLOGY-BASED MATERIALS FOR SCIENCE CURRICULUM DELIVERY: LECTURERS' PERSPECTIVES IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

The study investigated the availability and usage of technology-based materials for Science curriculum delivery in tertiary institutions in Taraba State. A descriptive survey research design was used. The population comprised all science lecturers in the two government-owned Universities (Federal and State) in Taraba State. The sample comprised 89 Science lecturers from two purposively selected tertiary institutions. The instrument, Availability and Usage of Technology-based Materials Questionnaire (AUTMQ) divided into three dimensions was a 36-item questionnaire structured on a 4-point Likert-type scale. The instrument was validated and the reliability coefficient of the three dimensions 0.87, 0.76 and 0.85 respectively was computed and considered good for the study. The data collected was analyzed using means and standard deviation. Results showed that most (about 60%) of the listed technology-based materials are available, but the frequency of usage was poor. The findings also revealed that majority of the respondents agreed to all the statements (such as lack of fund, electricity, computer gadgets & internet connectivity, appropriate skills to operate e-learning, amongst others) as hindrances to the utilization of technology-based materials. The results also revealed that there was no significant difference between Federal and State universities in terms of availability, usage and hindrances to the utilization of technology-based materials for science curriculum delivery. Based on the findings recommendations were made amongst which is that; Federal and State governments should provide adequate quantities of new technological devices in tertiary institutions in the State and lecturers should be trained on their usage.