INFLUENCE OF DIGITAL DIVIDE ON SKILL ACQUISITION AMONG HOME ECONOMICS STUDENTS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN ANAMBRA STATE: EDUCATORS’ PERCEPTION
Abstract
Digital tools are essential for skill acquisition among tertiary institution students. This study investigated the influence of digital divide on skill acquisition among Home Economics students in tertiary institutions in Anambra State. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, and a sample of 28 lecturers from Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze and Federal Polytechnic, Oko was used. A structured questionnaire titled “Influence of Digital Divide on Skill Acquisition among Home Economics Students in Tertiary Institutions” (IDDSAHESTI), consisting of fifteen (15) validated items, was reviewed by experts. Its reliability was tested using Cronbach’s Alpha yielding a coefficient of 0.84 and it was used to collect data from the lecturers.
Data collected from the retrieved questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics, while a t-test was used to examine the significant differences in the lecturers’ responses. The study found that the inability to acquire practical skills, new skills, quality skills, and entrepreneurial skills—with resultant effects of stunted growth—are the negative influences of the digital divide. It also revealed that the digital divide affects students’ ability to collaborate, engage in e-commerce and marketing, and stay up-to-date with workplace trends. The study recommends, among other things, that the government should partner with private individuals to provide digital infrastructure for effective skill acquisition among students and ensure that training is organized for both students and lecturers to facilitate the integration of digital tools in teaching and learning.
Keywords: Home Economics, Educator, Digital Divide, Skill Acquisition
Chidolue, Ifeyinwa Bessie
Dr. Assumpta A. Okoye
Okolo-Obiajulu, Anthonia N.
School of Agricultural and Home Economics Education
Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze