This study was carried out to determine the effect of computer assisted instruction on secondary schools students‟ academic achievement. The sample of the study consisted of 117 students. The sample consisted of the intact classes, one experimental group with 68 students and the other one as control group had 49 students. A random sampling technique using balloting method was used in selecting the two schools out of the 65 public secondary schools in Osun Education Zone. A pre-test-post-test quasi experimental design was used. The instrument used was Biology Achievement Test(CAT) and Biology Interest Rating Scale(CIRS) which were both validated and with difference in the academic achievement and interest in Biology rating scale between male and female students exposed to computer assisted instruction. In the light of the findings from this study, the following recommendation was made among others. School authorities and government agency in charge of managing the affairs of secondary schools should make provision of computers and education soft wares and train teachers with the current development in the methodology of teaching and learning Biology.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
This is no simple and universal definition of science and technology, but the easiest way to understand these two concepts is while science gives man a conceptual frame work of his physical and social world, technology equips man with the tools, knowledge, skills, techniques and attitudes of mind with which to respond to the challenges to the world. Hensicke (2009), sees technology as the application of knowledge and skills in solving practical problems that is the knowledge and skills applied in using artifact and processes.
Abdullahi (2007), stated that science is and activity culminating into a testable falsable, verifiable body of knowledge through systematic and rational organization of facts about a particular phenomenon of interest. Science is mainly concerned with understanding natural phenomenon and creating conceptual frame works for its explanation. The practical manifestation of science in tools, and know how, which can best be described as technology? Briefly, technology provides man lie support system that maintains him on the planet earth. Biology is a branch of science; its genesis can be traced to certain practices, known as Alchemy, which had been practiced for several decades in various part of the world, particularly in Middle East. (Ancient Biology (2009), Biology is the scientific study of interaction of chemical substance that are constituted of atoms or sub-atomic particles – protons, electrons, and neutrons, Biology Encyclopedia (2010), Iwuagu (2009), defined it as the science concerned with the composition, structure and properties of matter, as well as the changes it undergoes during chemical reaction.
Our world is made up of matter; we study Biology to acquire knowledge about matter. We perform experiment and learn to observe record and make intelligent inferences. Studying Biology gives us training in scientific methods.
Computer assisted instruction plays very crucial role in teaching content effectively. If there are qualified teachers, recommended textbooks, but no adequate computer assisted instruction facilities, this may affect learning and teaching of Biology. It is on this note that this study is considered necessary.
