Title: EFFECTS OF MOBILE TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBLE LEARNING OBJECTS ON STUDENTS' COGNITIVE ACHIEVEMENT IN NATURAL SCIENCE AND METAL WORK TECHNOLOGY.

Authors:
Ogwo, Benjamin A. Ezekoye, Benadeth N. Olaitan, Oluwale O. Akanaeme, Florence I. & Ubachukwu, Patience O.

Abstract: Abstract Digitaltechnologies of various forms are increasingly integrated into instructional delivery. These digital materials such as Learning Objects (LOs) are widely used by instructors without empirical basis on their effects on learning. Thus, this study sought to assess the instructional effects of LOs on students‟ low, middle and high cognitive competencies in natural science and metalwork technology courses. The study was guided by one research question and a hypothesis. It adopted the quasiexperimental design of non-randomized intact groups of all year one students that offer the course from Industrial Technical Education and Food Science & Technology, at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The population for the study was 61. This consists of 26 natural science students and 35 metalwork technology students. Validated instruments referred to as Natural Science II Achievement Test (NASAT) and Metal Work I Achievement Test (MWAT) were used for data collection. The treatment for the experimental group consisted of teaching metal work contents using LOs accessed from the laptop computer (tablet PC) for 12 weeks while the control group was used the typical conventional method of teaching and learning as well as LOs. The pre and post - tests data were analysed using mean to answer the research questions, while one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the null hypothesis at .05 statistical level of significance. The study revealed that the LOs accessed from the laptop was effective in improving the students‟ low, middle and high cognitive competencies in natural science and metalwork technology. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the mean achievement scores of the control and experimental groups on their performances in lower, middle and high levels cognitive competencies in science and metalwork technology courses as a result of using LOs accessed from the laptop. This implies that LOs, when used in both conventional and mobile-based learning environments, were effective in enhancing students‟ cognitive achievement in natural science and metalwork technology. As a result, the study recommended that curriculum planners should develop an appropriate curriculum that incorporates LOs and computers for teaching and learning of science and technical education courses. Thus the study concludes that the integration of mobile technology accessible LOs would enhance the attainment of higher order cognitive instructional objectives. Keywords: Mobile Technology; Learning Objects, Students‟ Cognitive Achievement in Natural Science and Metal Work Technology; Quality Instruction.

Publication Date: 2018-06-09