CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

            Technology is a body of knowledge devoted to creating tools, processing actions and extracting of materials. The term technology is wide and everyone has their own way of understanding the meaning of technology. We use technology to accomplish various tasks in our daily lives. In brief we can describe technology as product processes or organization, we use technology to extend our abilities and that makes people as the most important part of technological system (Igwe, 2009). 

Technology is concerned with the usage and knowledge of tools, techniques and craft.  It is a system or method of organizing, or is a material product (such as clothing), that deals with the practical application of knowledge especially in the area, of economic science, Medical Technology, Electrical/Computer Science, Building Technology etc. The economic strength of every nation depends on its technological advancement (Gowon, 2010).

Technology education is a generic term embracing all the experience that an individual need to prepare for useful occupation.  It helps to equip citizens with the acquisition of appropriate practical skills, activities and competency (both mental and physical) that enables him/her to live in and contribute to the development of the society Gowon (2010). Vocational and technology education is a major tool design to be used in achieving the five (5) main National Policy on Education NPE (2004). Technology education is important today in the nation building.

            Computer science education is defined as the process of acquiring the basic computer knowledge, ideas, skills, and other competencies so as to understand the basic technologies. In the earliest days of computers, the only computer education was about computers. At that time, computer were huge, expensive and rare, computer education was limited to those students with exceptional mathematical aptitude. After all that is what computers were all about, solving mathematical problems.

Computer Science is the science and technology of transmitting Computer Science electronically by wires or radio signals with integrated encoding and decoding equipment (Microsoft Encarta, 2014).Technological education is concern with the systematic training, acquisition of knowledge, practical skills and character formations.  It deals with the total development of individuals and how he can manipulate his physical environment.  Nigeria has long recognized that survival of the nation depends on the technological advancement (F.G.N. 2004).

                        Computer Science comprises devices and systems that transmit electronic or optical signals across long distances. It helps to access Computer Science instantly through networking which can be access all over the nation. Computer Science enables people to send and receive personal messages across town, between countries, and to and from outer space. It also provides the key medium for delivering news, data, Computer Science, and entertainment, (Microsoft Encarta, 2014.)

            However, the researchers have observed that after about four (4) decades of the establishment of technical schools (colleges) Polytechnics, Monotechnics, Colleges of Education Technical and Universities of technologies, Computer Science education is yet to be given the desired attention and/or focus in our educational system.  Computer Science education is plagued with numerous problems, ranging from shortage of manpower, lack of funds, inadequate workshops for practical, and government not give enough attention to it.  The main aim it to identify the problems encountered by and make amendment toward solving these problems. 

Statement of the Problem

            Despite the importance of Computer Science Education as evident in our present day life, yet not much attention have been dedicated to this specialty. Therefore, this study tries to look at the causes or factors responsible for such a serious national problem. Could these be attributed to; lack of enough manpower in the field of Computer Science, inadequate supply of practical materials in the workshop, Poor performance of students in Computer Science, un-conducive learning environment, wrong method of teaching and learning of Computer Science, Strike action embarked upon by the lecturers, Lack of constant studies by the students, recruitment of unqualified manpower in the field, lack of funds, or lack of enough time for practical to students that contribute to poor background among many others.

Therefore, these call for a study to investigate ways for improving the teaching/learning of computer science education in the department of education technical, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna.

Purpose of the Study

The study will aim at developing strategist for improving the teaching and learning of Computer Science at Department of Education (Technical), Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna state. specifically, the study seeks to:  

1.        Assess the availability of resources for the teaching/learning of Computer Science in the department of education technical, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna.

2.        Determine the challenges encountered in teaching/learning of Computer Science Education in the department of education technical, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna.

3.        To find out ways of improving the teaching and learning of computer science education in the department of education technical, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna.

Significance of the study

a.      If the findings of this study are adopted and implemented, it will be of great benefit to the government and policy makers, school managers, students and parents/guardian.

b.     The research will be of benefit to government, in planning its vocational and technical education effectively, thus is with particular reference to computer science education.

c.      It will also benefit policy makers, such as the National Commission for colleges of education (NCE) with Computer Science about the challenges in teaching Computer Science in Department of Education (Technical), Kaduna Polytechnic.

d.     It will also be useful to schools managers, in maintaining admission standard, monitor the lecturers' performance and qualities. Provide adequate practical materials, tools equipment. And above all ensure the free environment for students to learn.

e.      It will benefit students, who want to devote their lives to offer the course (Computer Science) as   subject.

f.       It will benefit Parents/Guardian, in allowing and guiding their children/wards in choosing courses of their choice according to their capabilities, provide all their need for effective learning.

Research Questions

Based on the purpose of the study the following research questions are drawn

1.        What are the resources available for the teaching/learning of Computer Science at Department of Education (Technical), Kaduna Polytechnic?

2.        What are the challenges encountered in teaching/learning of Computer Science in the Department of Education (Technical), Kaduna Polytechnic?

3.        What are the ways of improving teaching/learning of Computer Science Education in the Department of Education (Technical) Kaduna Polytechnic?

Scope of the study

This study is delimited to investigating how to improve the teaching and learning of computer science in the department of Education (Technical), Kaduna Polytechnic.

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