EFFECT OF COMPUTER ASSISTED INSTRUCTION (CAI) ON STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE IN ECONOMICS IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Abstract

This study examined the Effect of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) on Students’ Performance in Economics in Senior Secondary Schools in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The study was conducted with four research objectives and four research questions were asked while four null hypotheses were formulated and tested at p < 0.05. Literatures that are related to the study were also reviewed. This study was conducted in the public Senior Secondary Schools in Ekiti State. Specifically, students of SSS II in Government Science College Iyin-Ekiti, Community High School Iyemero-Ekiti, Government College Oye-Ekiti, and Ijaloke Grammar School Emure-Ekiti with a population of 195, using quasi-experimental design. The bio-data of the respondents was analyzed with the use of frequency and percentage while mean and standard deviation was used to answer the four research questions

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Teaching methods and instructional techniques in the classrooms have been changing and this is influenced by technological advancements. Technology has changed the whole pattern of human life. The greatest contribution of cyber age technology is the development of Computer and its use in all walks of life. Computer according to Pritchard (2005) is a general purpose machine, commonly consisting of digital circuitry, that accepts(inputs), stores, manipulates, and generates (outputs) data as numbers, text, graphics, voice, video files, or electrical signals, in accordance with instructions called a programme. The two principal characteristics of a computer are: it responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner and it can execute a prerecorded list of instructions (a programme). Importantly, it is also concerned with the way these different uses can work with each other to enhance teaching and learning and to better the standard of living of people the world over (Pritchard, 2005).

Instruction is a statement or explanation of something that must be done, often given by someone in authority. Pratt (2008) views Instruction, as the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill written or spoken directions for carrying out a procedure or performing a task. Effective instructions often include visual elements (such as pictures, diagrams, and flowcharts) that illustrate and clarify the text. Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is the process by which written and visual information is presented in a logical sequence to a learner through a computer. The student learns by reading the text material presented or by observing the graphic information displayed. Some of the programmes provide audio-visual presentation with an option to the student to select audio presentation in addition to the visual media. On this background the researcher wants to investigate the effect of computer assisted instruction on student performance in economic in senior secondary school

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

However, the achievement of students in the Economic subject especially at SSCE level has consistently remained poor. This may imply that students are not learning from the use of this method of teaching. Meanwhile, the introduction of computer into secondary school classroom in other countries has proved to be effective in improving teaching and learning process. This study therefore determined the effect of introducing computer in economic classroom on students’ learning outcome

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The objectives of the study are;

1. To examine whether the introduction of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) into secondary school classroom would improve students’ performance in economic

2. To ascertain the effect of computer assisted instruction on secondary school student’s achievement in economic.

3. To ascertain whether company assistant make student lazy

4. To ascertain the relationship between computer assisted instruction and teacher’s instruction in teaching of economic

1.4 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

For the successful completion of the study, the following research hypotheses were formulated by the researcher;

H0: the introduction of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) into secondary school classroom would not improve students’ performance in economic

H1: the introduction of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) into secondary school classroom would improve students’ performance in economic

H02: there is no relationship between computers assisted instruction and teacher’s instruction in teaching of economic

H2: there is a relationship between computers assisted instruction and teacher’s instruction in teaching of economic

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Findings from this study would encourage the use of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) in the teaching of economic at secondary school level for improved students’ achievement in the subject. The information provided in this study would also encourage the introduction of computer tablets into other public secondary schools in the state by the state government for general improvement in students’ achievement in economic and other subjects. It is also expected that the result would promote the introduction of computer-assisted instruction into private secondary schools in the state by their respective stakeholders. The result of the study would also promote the use of and development of skills in computer operations by such students taught with Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI). A further significance of study is that its result would build such students capacity and empower them in the technological world which would assist them in future learning and general development and global relevance as the world is becoming a global village of learning.

1.6 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The scope of the study covers the effect of computer assisted instruction ( CAI) on student performance in economic in senior secondary school. The researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study;

a) AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study

b) TIME: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.

c) Organizational privacy: Limited Access to the selected auditing firm makes it difficult to get all the necessary and required information concerning the activities.

1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

COMPUTER ASSISTED INSTRUCTION: Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is an interactive instructional technique whereby a computer is used to present the instructional material and monitor the learning that takes place. CAI uses a combination of text, graphics, sound and video in enhancing the learning

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: Academic achievement or (academic) performance is the extent to which a student, teacher or institution has achieved their short or long-term educational goals. Cumulative GPA and completion of educational degrees such as High School and bachelor’s degrees represent academic achievement.

ECONOMIC: Economics is a science which studies human behaviour as a relationship between ends and scarce means which have alternative uses.

1.8 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows. Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study. Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature. Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding. Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study