CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Technical and vocational education is a broad term that encompasses, in addition to general education, the study of technologies and related sciences, as well as the acquisition of practical skills, attitudes, understanding, and knowledge related to occupations in a variety of economic and social sectors (Momo, 2012). Okoro (1993), as cited by Oranu, (2004), defines vocational education as a type of education whose primary goal is to educate people for work in a recognized occupation. Similarly, he defines technical education as a post secondary vocational training program with the primary goal of producing technicians.
Although the terms technical education and vocational education are frequently used interchangeably, they are distinct concepts. Some clarifications are required for the purposes of this study. Vocational education is a term that refers to skill-based programs that are aimed to help people learn new skills at a lower level of schooling. Vocational education focuses on specific vocations in preparation for entry into a certain workplace. Technical education, on the other hand, is not tailored to a certain profession but rather gives a broad base of technical knowledge (Momo, 2012). This style of education prepares students for entry into a recognized occupation at a higher level than the first degree, although usually at a lesser level. In actuality, technical and vocational education is usually a combination of technical and vocational education, with basic technical and scientific knowledge combined with a skill-based vocational program.
Technical education, according to Udo (2012), is the training of technically focused professionals who will be the initiators, facilitators, and implementers of a nation’s technological progress. This educating of its population on the importance of becoming technologically literate, in his belief, would eventually lead to self-reliance and sustainability. He stated that, more than any other profession, technical education has a direct impact on the country’s progress.
Again, technical education makes a significant contribution in areas such as electrical and electronics technology, metal work technology, mechanical/automobile technology, building technology, and woodwork technology, among others. Technical education is a practical-oriented education that is distinct in its content and approach, requiring special attention (Nuru, 2007).
Educational technology is a byproduct of industrial technology (Ogunranti 1998), and it is viewed as a panacea for all educational issues (Balogun 1988) Educational technology is a set of processes and products that aid in the facilitation of learning in the classroom. It’s also known as a systems approach to the teaching-learning process, with the optional design, implementation, and assessment of teaching and learning at its core. To put it another way, it is the systematic application of scientific knowledge and technological development within and outside of the educational system to solve educational problems and alleviate needs in educational technology. Teachers in training who are exposed to educational technology should take on the challenges as a significant part of their studies. Because instructional technology provides more effective and sufficient methods, it avoids frivolous and ideological debates regarding the educational purpose. Schooling has evolved into training, which selects and places people for instruction (Nuru, 2007).
According to Eze, (2013), educational technology can be used to make a positive impact on learning in a fun and engaging way. It was created to give students hands-on experience designing and creating instructional materials for a variety of learners in a variety of educational settings using technological resources.
Students will be able to use technology to effectively implement and assess their teaching materials in this course. Educational technology is a concept that addresses all of education’s problems by combining instructional technology, learning and communication theories, and a system approach in vocational education to provide learners with the skills they need to live, learn, and work as productive citizens in a global society (Eze, 2013). It’s also the type of education that’s specifically geared for folks who have picked a career path and want to advance in it.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Unfortunately, despite all of technical and vocational education’s significant contributions to our country, Nigeria has yet to give it the attention it deserves (Bassi, 2004). The use of technology is rarely used to teach vocational and technical education across schools in Nigeria. According to Duke, (2009), most technical and vocational education instructors have not been effectively trained in the use of technology to teach and most students cannot afford technological tools with the accompanying daily or monthly subscriptions. Thus, this paper attempts to explore some of the effects of technology use on the academic achievement of technical and vocational students.
