The Problem of Teaching and Learning of Computer Science in Tertiary Institution
CHAPTER ONE
Purpose of the study
The major purpose of the study is to examine the problems of teaching and learning of computer science in tertiary institution and determine strategies for improving computer science in tertiary institutions in Enugu State. The study specifically sought to determine:
- The funding strategies for improving the teaching of computer science in tertiary institution in Enugu State.
- The strategies for improving the availability and quality of instructional facilities required for the teaching of computer science in tertiary institution in Enugu State.
- The strategies for improving teaching methodology required for the teaching of computer science in tertiary institution in Enugu State.
- The strategies for improving the availability and quality of human resources required for the teaching of computer science in Enugu State.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Conceptual Framework
Computer science in Tertiary institution
The need for computer science in tertiary institutions is enormous. The world is a global village, information dissemination is done in seconds, and offices are tuning into a paper-less office (Edhuze, 2003). All these could be attributed to digitalization, which is facilitated by information and communication technology devices such as computer, internet, fax, global system of mass communication (GSM) or mobile phone and satellites (Usoroh, 2008). This digitalization can only be made useful when a society is computer literate and the changes of becoming a computer literate society is through Computer science taught mainly in tertiary institutions. This is a major challenge to schools, because it is their responsibility to graduate students who can fit into the information age. It can therefore be said that computer literacy is needed in a society like ours if we want to be part of this global consumer of ICT.
In a move to help Nigerians overcome backwardness in computer and digital know-how, many spirited Nigerians has mapped out strategies for helping its citizens become computer literate. Such bold steps will help close the narrow gap between Nigeria and developed countries. Inline with this, he further noted that, computer literacy and IT knowledge offers room for self employment since a trained computer literate person could end up operating a business center become a programmer or even a teleengineer. For those that are going into business, it can also aid them in the area of speed, data keeping, accuracy and information processing. Today, one of the fundamental demands in many established interviews for job seeker is computer literacy skill. Many people have failed to secure jobs which they are qualified for only for lack of knowledge and skills in computer operations (Ayogu, 2008).
The use of computer as a facility is possible and necessary in our school system. Its use can aid communication among students. Computer communication has played and is still playing an important role, not only in schools, but also in offices, hospitals, libraries and in homes. At the tertiary institution level, computers enable the students communicate at fast, accurate and convenient pace to other people through e-mail (Okonkwo, 2006). Sending and receiving data electronically will take only a few seconds. In information processing, computer can sort or search through huge amount of information in a flash. Computer communication makes any information needed easily and widely available irrespective of distant between the two destinations (Okonkwo, 2006).
Computer science also present challenges to tertiary institution lecturers. Such challenges have prompted lecturers to go for training in other to build confidence in the handling of computer related courses. Such training also helps them develop a sense of rapport with students and equally makes them appreciate its potential for problem solving (Okonkwo, 2006). He went further to say that their knowledge of Computer science also helps them to schedule classes, print report cards, and store and upgrade student’s record. Most often these records are used by guidance counselor for student career choice he concluded.
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
Design of the Study
This study adopted a survey research design. A survey research design according to Osuala (2001) centers on individual and their opinion, belief, motivation and behavior.
Area of the Study
The area of the study is Enugu State. Enugu is the capital of Enugu State in Nigeria. It is located in southeastern Nigeria. The city had a population of 722,664 according to the 2006 Nigerian census. The city was named after Enugwu Ngwo, under which coal was found.
CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of Findings
Based on the data collected and analyzed, the following major findings of the study are:
- Ten strategies on the ways for improving the funding of computer science were in strong agreement with the opinions of the respondents (HODs and lecturers). This was with means ranging from 3.19 – 4.24.
- A total of 10 items were considered as what should be the strategies for improving the availability and quality of instructional facilities required for the teaching of computer science in tertiary institutions in Enugu State. They were in agreement with the opinions of the respondents with means ranging 3.89 – 4.14.
- All the 15 items on the strategies for improving the teaching methodologies required for the teaching of computer science were agreed to as important by the respondents with means ranging from 3.98 – 4.28.
Conclusion
The study concludes that there are some basic strategies that could be adopted in order to improve the teaching of computer science in tertiary institutions in Enugu State. The study is of the view that computer science should provide sound basis for further training in computer science at the tertiary level of education thus should be relied upon to enable students acquire the basic skills and knowledge needed to either secure a job and earn a living or to pursue further studies in the area computer and information science.
Recommendations
The following recommendations were made based on the findings of the study and the implications of the study:
- School administrators should ensure that computer lecturers are sponsored on retraining programmes at least twice a year through workshops, seminars and conferences to enable them learn the modern technological skills in their chosen field of endeavour.
- The school administrators should as a matter of urgency liaise with private sectors to provide computers and other instructional materials needed for teaching of computer science.
References
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