1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
The advancement in science and technology and their application in education have yielded rich dividends in almost all disciplines related to the management and organization of the education system. This applied aspect of technology in the educational discipline has tremendous capacity to provide the best possible output for both the teachers and students. It is no secrets that there has been a continuous shift in the nature and use of technology for improving the processes and products of education depending upon the type of excellence attained by the members of the society and community all over the globe in terms of scientific, philosophical, psychological and technological progress and advancement. There remain always, a shift from the old to the new methods of teaching and learning in the education in different periods of time (Mangal & Mangal, 2011).
Computer is the finest and most important gift of science and technology to mankind. It has done miracles in almost all walks of human life. There is no area which remains untouched by the benefits of computer. The use of computer for the instructional activities is called computer assisted instructions (Mangal & Mangal, 2011). Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) is one step ahead of teaching machines and two of the uses of programmed text-books. The roots of CAI are in the work of B.F. Skinner, who was the first to introduce the concept of programmed instructions. The CAI has now taken so many dimensions that it is not simply considered as the teaching machine.
The feasible application of computer in the Nigerian classroom for teaching and learning is gradually gaining recognition as a result of great importance and educational appropriateness it offers. in the developing countries according to Award (cited in Fakomogbon et al., 2014), computers are becoming increasingly popular, especially as these form integral part of everyday activities that generate information and facilitate its fast delivery.
Computer can be used to assist instruction, manage instruction and aid its design. However, when computer is used to assist instruction, it is referred to as ‘Computer Assisted Instruction’ (CAI). Computer Assisted Instruction according to Abimbola, (1988), is the term used to describe the use of computers to provide instruction directly to students in order to simulate teaching and learning situation. It is an instructional programme presented by means of a computer or computer system (Ekiregwo, 2001).
Secondary education occupies an important position in the educational system. According to Lucas and Olaniyan (2008), secondary school is that level of education where children receive basic education that enhances their advancement to higher professional and academic pursuit. The Federal Republic of Nigeria (2014) in her national policy on education described secondary school as education children receive after primary education and before tertiary stage. It begins generally at about the age of eleven (11) years and continues for about the next six (6) years. Eya and Chukwu (2012) observed a downtrend in the quality of instruction in secondary schools, evidenced by poor students work and poor performance in external examinations.
This current trend of poor performance of students in government in terminal and public examinations in Lagos State remains a worrisome issue that has attracted the interest of major stakeholders in education across the state. Experts had always blamed the present declining performance of students in government on ineffective teaching methods. Unongo (2015) noted that most teachers use mere lecture and explanation to teach skill related lessons which often retard learning. Hence, this research study examines the effect of computer assisted instruction (CAI) on students’ academic achievement with a particular reference to selected secondary schools in Education District V of Lagos State.
1.2 Statement of Problems
The performance of secondary school students in government has been quite unsatisfactory over the years (WAEC, 2010, NECO, 2010). The external examination bodies such as West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) have repeatedly reported poor performance of students in government.
Moreover, several studies have also reported poor students’ academic achievement in government despite the importance attached to the subject in the national policy on education (Odili, 2006). Secondary school students’ achievement continues to deteriorate year after year in government. This has become a source of concern to all stakeholders in education in Nigeria, because no teacher in Nigeria that teaches government at any level can prove that all is well in the teaching of the subject. Teachers who teach the subject of government often complained of the challenges they face, such as lack of interest in the subject as a result of poor retention of language of expression. Furthermore government teaching in secondary school in Nigeria today still follows the traditional pattern such as lecture method which has been identified as being ineffective in ensuring students participation in lessons. Non-utilization of relevant techniques in teaching government is another contributing factor.
Majority of the studies on Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) were done outside Nigeria. These studies particularly focus on the developed countries. Researches on Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) in Nigeria are scanty. In Nigeria most of the available studies on Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) on students’ academic achievement such as Fakomogbon et al (2014); Shamsideen (2015); Chado and Okwori (2015); Cyril (2016) were theoretical studies whose findings were subjectively based on the researchers’ personal opinions. Hence, the undertaking of this research work will fill in the gap by critically exploring the effect of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) on students’ academic achievement with a particular reference to selected secondary schools in Education District V of Lagos State.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to investigate the Effects of Computer Assisted Instructions on Senior Secondary Schools Students’ Academic Achievement in government using Epe, Lagos State as a case study. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To find out if the use of computer assisted instruction enhances students’ participation in lessons;
- To identify current challenges to students’ academic achievement in government;
- To examine the effect of computer assisted instruction on students’ retention in government; and
- To determine the relationship between Computer Assisted Instruction and students’ academic achievement in government.
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the relationship between Computer Assisted Instruction and students’ academic achievement in government?
- Does the use of computer assisted instruction have an effect on students’ retention in government?
- To what extent does the use of computer assisted instruction enhance students’ participation in lesson?
- To what extent does the use of CAI in teaching chemical reaction and equilibrium improve students’ achievement as against the use of conventional method?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H01: There is no significant relationship between computer assisted instruction and students’ academic achievement in government.
- H02: There is no significant effect of the use of computer assisted instruction on students’ retention in government.
- H03: There is no significant relationship between the use of computer assisted instruction and students’ participation in lessons.
1.6 Significance of Study
The findings of the study will serve as feedback to the education sector especially the departments of Teacher Training and Development and Curriculum and Evaluation. The findings of the study will also influence policy formulation pertaining to the training of government teachers in the future. Teachers will also be aided on the efficient use of computer assisted instruction (CAI) to reach across diverse learners in the teaching-learning process.
It is anticipated that the analytical, conceptual and empirical results of the study will enhance the understanding of significant issues relating to computer assisted instruction. The result of the study will also serve as a useful tool for scholars and researchers in the field of education, who would want to carry out further research in this domain. Its findings will as well be significant to policy makers and implementers at large. Lastly, this study will also constitute a useful and interesting text in library and would also provide a data base for future research work.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This study focuses on scrutinizing the Effects of Computer Assisted Instructions on Senior Secondary Schools Students’ Academic Achievement in government using Epe, Lagos State as a case study. It thematically explored issues relating to computer assisted instruction (CAI) and students academic performance in the district area with a view to providing a framework for future solutions.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.9 Operational Definition of Terms
Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI): Encompasses a broad range of technique that supplements the classroom teaching and learning environment.
Computer: A computer is a machine that receives, stores or processes data quickly according to a stored program.
Students’ Academic Achievement: This is an outcome of how students deal with their studies and how they cope or accomplish the numerous tasks given to them by their teachers.
