THE ROLE OF MODERN COMPUTER IN TEACHING AND LEARNING WESTERN EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
1.1 INTRODUCTION
In recent times, the world has witnessed a rapid increase in technological innovations. This era ushered in the advent of the electronic computer system among other modern technologies. At present, the computer technology has permeated nearby all aspects of human organization roles and education. Computer encompasses almost all facts of human endeavours. So much has been written in it and its relatedness to all areas of human disciplines which include computer/information technology, engineering, agriculture etc. Today, computer technology in schools is one of the most far – reaching and fast growing developments in education. Like maize in a plantation during a storm, countries all over the world are bending towards the fad of computer Development in science and technology has brought to line light the indispensables roles of computer in the area of education. It is a new instructional system. The incursion of the electronic computer system into the education parlance, according to Sherman (2003) provides the where with all the solve teaching and learning problems even more rapidly and accurately than hitherto concerned. This had eventually made the computer system the doyen of humanity as it continues to exact greater acceptance. Computer, according to Jayesimi (2007) has become the ‘nowology’ in our society and possibly futuristic years ahead.
In academic schools, computers are widely used and the need for computer technology and literacy in the educational system has become more relevant. Computer has been found to be an effective device for presenting an instructional programme. According to MC Cormick (2008), computers can be used to diversity, develop and improve the pedagogical relation of teaching and learning. Also, technological development can only be enhanced through proper acquisition of scientific knowledge, which can only be realized through relevant training in science, mathematics and computer education. It was in this light that the federal government of Nigeria launched and natural policy on computer literacy of primary, academic and tertiary levels of education in 1987.
For the computer to transfer the school system, as there is increased merger between the computer technology and communication, and to equip the individual or student with thorough understanding of the computer in order to fit in to the nejet century

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
As excellent and important the computer, it has not really gained its root in our Nigerian schools let alone the entire society its impact is not strongly felt by all, especially by our students. This is because there are some challenges facing its implementations in our society. Some of the challenges are listed below. The challenges of computer education are both educational and administrative. The prominent among the administrative problems is:
• Cost: over the years, the cost of computer had been on the high side. This has been a different to the adoption of computer for instructional purposes in most Nigerian academic schools. Coupled with this is the exorbitant price of software and hardware. Where attempts are made o purchase computers for instructional purposes, the costs of installation, maintenance and replacement re unavoidable. Another impediment to use of computer in the classroom could be attributed to the syndrome of resistance to change among the Nigerian teachers. The view the use of computer in teaching as a means of displacing them form their cherished job rather than an instructional material to enrich teaching and learning. Also, they regard the use of computer as an increase in their tasks in the classroom without adequate compensation. Death of instructional facilities militates against the use of computer teaching in learning in the academic schools. Facilities such as adequate air condition, appropriate computer environment and building are not provided.
1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The integration of modern computers in education aims to enhance and transform the learning experience for students in Nigeria. Hence, Funakaye Local Government implement the use of modern computers in western education.
The objectives of the study include:
1. To Enhanced Learning Opportunities in Funakaye LGA:
• Personalized Learning: Computers allow for adaptive learning experiences, catering to individual student needs and pace.
• Interactive Content: Educational software and multimedia tools create engaging and interactive content to make learning more interesting.
2. To enable the people of the study area Access to Information:
• Internet Resources: Computers provide access to a vast repository of information through the internet, enabling students to explore beyond traditional textbooks.
• Digital Libraries: Access to digital libraries and online databases facilitates research and in-depth study.
3. To improve the Skill Development of the students in Funakaye LGA Using modern computers:
• Digital Literacy: Using computers helps students develop essential digital literacy skills, which are crucial in today's technology-driven world.
• Problem-Solving: Educational software often incorporates problem-solving exercises, fostering critical thinking skills.
4. To bring Collaborative Learning to the place of the study:
• Online Collaboration: Computers enable students to collaborate on projects and assignments, promoting teamwork and communication skills.
• Virtual Classrooms: With the use of computers, students can participate in virtual classrooms, breaking down geographical barriers.
5. To create a medium of Multimedia Learning:
• Visual Aids: Computers facilitate the use of multimedia elements, such as videos, animations, and simulations, making complex concepts more accessible.
• Interactive Simulations: Virtual experiments and simulations enhance understanding in subjects like science and mathematics.
6. To allow Efficient Assessment:
• Automated Assessment Tools: Computers streamline the assessment process, providing instant feedback to students and educators.
• Data Analytics: Educational software can analyze student performance data, helping teachers identify areas for improvement and tailor instruction accordingly.
7. To achieve Global Connectivity:
• Global Learning Communities: Computers enable students to connect with peers globally, fostering a sense of global citizenship and cultural awareness.
• International Perspectives: Access to online resources allows students to explore diverse perspectives on various topics.
8. To Prepare for the Future generation adaptability of Artificial intelligence:
• Career Readiness: Integrating technology in education prepares students for the technology-driven workforce, enhancing their employability.
• Adaptability: Exposure to various digital tools fosters adaptability, a crucial skill in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
9. To improve Inclusive Education:
• Accessibility Features: Computers can be equipped with accessibility features to support students with diverse learning needs.
• Differentiated Instruction: Technology allows for differentiated instruction, accommodating various learning styles and abilities.
10. Continuous Professional Development:
• Teacher Training: Integrating technology in education includes ongoing professional development for teachers, ensuring they are equipped with the latest tools and methodologies.
By addressing these aims and objectives, the use of modern computers in western education seeks to create a dynamic and effective learning environment in Funakaye Local Government that prepares students for the challenges of the 21st century.

1.4 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The purpose of the study is to examine the following
1) To find out the effect of computer in teaching and learning in the classroom settings.
2) The extent that the teachers uses computer as a language of instruction in the classroom
3) To investigate how skillful the teacher is in using computer 4) In what ways has the computer through internet helped in increasing the intelligent quotient of the learner.
5) To make recommendation for improving the use of computer in all academic schools
6) To make recommendation for the curriculum planner.
1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1) Is the number of computer teachers adequate for the population in the academic schools?
2) How does the pupils perform when taught with the aid of computer? 3) Can by subject teacher teach computer science effective? 4) Are the computer science teachers adequately qualified to teach computer studies in academic schools?
5) Is there a properly equipped computer laboratory in the school?

1.6 HYPOTHESIS
i. There is no properly equipped computer laboratory in the school.
ii. There are no adequate qualified teachers to teach computer science in the academic schools.
iii. There is no enough number of computer science teachers in the school.
iv. Modern Computer improves the ability of reading and comprehension in academic schools

1.7 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study will benefit various aspect of the society in the following ways: 1) This study will give the academic school teachers awareness that computer is not there to displace them rather it is there as an instructional material to enrich teaching and learning
2) This research will help the computer science authors for academic school to improves the teachers. Guide and its content in the use of computer in teaching and learning
3) The research will engender the teachers to strive to improve their pupil in computer science
4) Curriculum developers and curriculum inventors will endevour to improve on the computer in teaching and learning. Limitation of the study This research work focus on the academic in Funakaye local government area of Gombe State. It doesn’t examine schools in other states, so it may not be highly recommended for academic schools in other state due to difference in the race of geographical to ecology, the state economy and so many other reasons.

1.8 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study is based on the role played by modern computer in teaching and learning western education in Funakaye local government area of Gombe State. The scope is going to cover only one local government in some selected primary schools (Central Primary School Bajoga, Sangaru Primary School, Jalingo Primary School and Jillahi Primary School.

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS
All the words or terms used in the research project are familiar in nature and the meaning of sane are s follows: Computer: computer is an electronic machine which accepts data, process data, store data and bring out the result as information. Teaching: is an activity or set of activities with the sole intention of bringing about learning. Learning: is seen as the gaining of knowledge, understanding or skill through study, instruction or experience.

 
CHAPTER TWO
2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) includes computers, the Internet, and electronic delivery systems such as radios, televisions, and projectors among others, and is widely used in today’s education field. Kent and Facer (2004) indicated that school is an important environment in which students participate in a wide range of computer activities, while the home serves as a complementary site for regular engagement in a narrower set of computer activities. Increasingly, ICT is being applied successfully in instruction, learning, and assessment. ICT is considered a powerful tool for educational change and reform. A number of previous studies have shown that an appropriate use of ICT can raise educational quality and connect learning to real-life situations (Lowther, et al. 2008; Weert and Tatnall 2005). As Weert and Tatnall (2005) have pointed out, learning is an ongoing lifelong activity where learners change their expectations by seeking knowledge, which departs from traditional approaches. As time goes by, they will have to expect and be willing to seek out new sources of knowledge. Skills in using ICT will be an indispensable prerequisite for these learners.
ICT tends to expand access to education. Through ICT, learning can occur any time and anywhere. Online course materials, for example, can be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Teleconferencing classrooms allow both learner and teacher to interact simultaneously with ease and convenience. Based on ICT, learning and teaching no longer depend exclusively on printed materials. Multiple resources are abundant on the Internet, and knowledge can be acquired through video clips, audio sounds, visual presentation and so on. Current research has indicated that ICT assists in transforming a teaching environment into a learner-centered one (Castro Sánchez and Alemán 2011). Since learners are actively involved in the learning processes in ICT classrooms, they are authorized by the teacher to make decisions, plans, and so forth (Lu, Hou and Huang 2010). ICT therefore provides both learners and instructors with more educational affordances and possibilities. More specific benefits of using ICT in education are described below.
2.2 BENEFITS OF USING ICT IN EDUCATION
The merits of ICT in education have been extolled in the literature. The use of ICT has been found to:
i. Assist students in accessing digital information efficiently and effectively
As Brush, Glazewski and Hew (2008) have stated, ICT is used as a tool for students to

    Date: 2026-08-02 00:00:00.000000