Impact of computer in teaching and learning of economics in particular and education

Project Abstract

The integration of computer technology in education has significantly transformed the teaching and learning process across various disciplines, including economics. This research project examines the impact of computers on the teaching and learning of economics, as well as its broader implications for education as a whole. Computer technology has revolutionized the way economics is taught in classrooms, providing new opportunities for interactive learning, data analysis, and simulation-based exercises. Teachers can now leverage various software applications and online resources to create engaging lessons that cater to diverse learning styles. Students, in turn, benefit from access to a wealth of information and tools that enhance their understanding of economic concepts and theories. Furthermore, the use of computers in economics education has facilitated real-world applications and case studies, enabling students to bridge the gap between theory and practice. By utilizing economic modeling software and online databases, learners can explore complex economic phenomena, conduct research, and develop critical thinking skills. This hands-on approach not only reinforces classroom instruction but also prepares students for future careers in economics and related fields. Beyond economics, the integration of computers in education has broader implications for the learning process. Digital tools provide personalized learning experiences, adaptive feedback, and opportunities for collaborative work, fostering student engagement and motivation. Additionally, online platforms enable remote learning, expanding access to education for learners in diverse geographic locations. However, the impact of computers in teaching and learning is not without challenges. Issues such as the digital divide, privacy concerns, and information overload must be addressed to ensure equitable access and effective use of technology in education. Teachers also need adequate training and support to integrate computer technology seamlessly into their pedagogical practices. In conclusion, the integration of computers in the teaching and learning of economics has brought about significant changes in education, enhancing the quality of instruction and expanding learning opportunities for students. By leveraging digital tools effectively, educators can create dynamic and interactive learning environments that empower students to develop essential skills and knowledge in economics and beyond.

Project Overview

<p> </p><div><p><strong>1.0 INTRODUCTION</strong></p><p><strong>1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY</strong></p><p>Economies is said to be a study of prudent use of merger resources in the society. The aim of economic activity is the production of goods and services for the satisfaction of human wants, but broad aim of economic policy may be regarded as ensuring that as many as possible of those wants are satisfied.</p><p>In Nigeria, economics as a subject was introduced into its curriculum in the year 1967, only ten candidates registered for the subject in Senior Secondary School final year examination. Presently, Nigeria has a high percentage of candidates who register and sit for economic yearly for both West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and National Examination Council (NECO), because of its relevance to all sphere of profession (Odunsanya, 2001).</p><p>The West African Examination Council syllabus states the aims and objectives of economics at the secondary level as follows:<br>i. Knowledge of the structure and functioning of economic institutions, commercial, industrial and financial<br>ii. Understanding of basic economic principles, concepts, and tools for economic analysis.<br>iii. To prepare students for higher education in the field of economics.<br>iv. How to manage the available resources<br>v. Ability to follow the role and status of West African countries encounter in their economic development.<br>In achieving these aims and objectives, the use of Information and Communication Technology ( COMPUTER) as a teaching aid in teaching and learning of economics in senior secondary schools comes in arises.</p><p>The term information encompasses a wide range and variety of things ranging from oral and printed words, figures, statements, file and document to such intangible elements as sound, signal rays and waves. Whatever the form information takes, the essence of information is that, it conveys a message (UNESCO 1979).</p><p>Technology refers to the application of scientific knowledge while information technology is the acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of vocal, p computerorial, textual and numerical information by a micro base combination of computing and telecommunication. Telecommunication is a special form of communication in which information is conveyed over long distance.</p><p>Information and Communication Technology ( COMPUTER) refers to different things to many people, some view information and communication as techniques required for information processing that involves the use of electronic computers and computer software to create, store, protect, process, transport, select, change, receive and display many kind of information, while others refer to it as the functions of developing, acquiring, testing, implementing and maintaining electronics system to source for information.</p><p>Basically, COMPUTER is classified into three groups namely:<br>• Those that process information. E.g computer<br>• Those that disseminate information. E.g communication<br>• Those for presentation of information e.g multimedia.</p><p>Information and communication technology ( COMPUTER) influences and affects everyone’s private and cooperate work life. Information technology is an advantage in every career, especially as a teacher. COMPUTER revolution seems to have created a new body of knowledge that has affected all mankind. The needs for professional growth of teachers noted by Akinseinde (1990) is a result of the challenges and concern caused by knowledge explosion in reaction to professional obsolesce in almost every field of human endeavours.</p><p>As a teacher, one needs to improve learning instruction as well as to communicate effectively. The more effective a teacher is at work life and resourceful management of content, the better and less cumbersome his or her task becomes. Ilyas Mohammed (1986) stipulated the benefits of information technology to economics, as an important aid to learning and teaching a wide topic in economics, ranging from statistics, measure of tendency, national income etc.</p><p>The use of COMPUTER assists the teacher in keeping students’ record, computing examination results, preparation of lesson notes and making statutory records to be kept and handled easily. Basically, the utilization of COMPUTER as a teaching aid for teachers, makes the art of teaching more creative and dynamic, making learning more concrete, real, immediate and retentive. Subsequently, it makes the dual process of teaching and learning more pleasurable without reducing from its level of efficacy and effectiveness.</p><p><strong>1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS</strong></p><p>Things are changing globally, and there are different and modern ways of doing things, if the essence of the educational policy is aimed at producing man-power which can cope with the ever-changing modern world, and be part of the global village “the chalk and talk method, hardly bringing participatory/interactive methods must give way to the use of innovative and technological driven, which the COMPUTER proffers” (Chinyere-Chris-archive 2004).</p><p>The overwhelming and glaring features of the present educational system and structures are the abnormal and unending deterioration of the quality of education at all level-over the years, the WAEC and NECO results have constantly elicited this groin reality which seriously necessitates urgent attention. Thus, it is the aim of this study to provide a template on which the revival of the educational system can be built.</p><p><strong>1.3 PURPOSE OF STUDY</strong></p><p>The purpose of the study includes:<br>1. To ascertain the level of exposure of students and teachers to COMPUTER<br>2. To study the influence of COMPUTER on teachers efficiency and effectiveness.<br>3. To investigate the impact of COMPUTER on students performance in economics</p><p><strong>1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS</strong></p><p>Due to overwhelming documented evidence which COMPUTER has brought to bear on so many fields of endeavours. It is just appropriate to investigate as stated in the purpose of study as seek to answers to the following research questions:<br>1. How exposed are the students and teachers alike to COMPUTER facilities?<br>2. In what ways can COMPUTER influence teacher’s efficiency and effectiveness<br>3. In what ways can COMPUTER influence students’ performance?</p><p>1.5 STATEMENT OF HYPOTHESES<br>1. Ho: The students and teachers are not exposed to COMPUTER facilities<br>H1: The students and teachers are exposed to COMPUTER facilities</p><p>2. Ho: COMPUTER does not have significant influence on teachers’ efficiency and effectiveness in teaching economics<br>H1: COMPUTER have significant influence on teachers’ efficiency and<br>effectiveness in teaching economics.</p><p>3. Ho: The impact of COMPUTER is not significant on students performance in<br>economics<br>H1: The impact of COMPUTER significant on students’ performance in<br>economics</p><p><strong>1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY</strong></p><p>This research study is significant because, firstly, it creates an interactive medium which will enhance self learning culture, it will also motivate students to learn and encourage students participation in classroom activities because both psychomotor and auditory skills activity will be used.</p><p>Secondly, it sensitized teachers and students in the need to be COMPUTER (computer) literate for personal and professional competence in this era of globalization</p><p>Lastly, it provides information on the influence of COMPUTER on teaching and learning of economics and other subjects</p><p><strong>1.7 SCOPE AND LIMITATION</strong></p><p>This study is intended to cover senior secondary in one local government area in Lagos State. However, due to unforeseen circumstances like time and financial constraints as well as bureaucracy that makes accessibility to information difficult or nearly impossible, certain modification had to be made.</p></div><h3></h3><br> <br><p></p>