Computer usage as instructional resources for vocational training in Nigeria

Abstract

The use of computers has become the driving force in the delivery of instruction of today's vocational education and training (VET) in Nigeria. Though computers have become an increasingly accessible resource for educators to use in their teaching activities, most teachers are still unable to integrate it in their teaching and learning processes. Computers are used to improve teaching quality where quality is very expensive to reproduce, or to substitute for the lack of teachers or schooling opportunities that cannot be made available with conventional teaching methodologies. This paper examines the challenges of integrating information and communication technology (ICT) into VET instructional practices and the barriers confronting implementation. Hence, the need for compatible computer education policies, suggestions to integrate ICT into VET teaching and learning practices are provided to assist the teachers in the use of computers in order to help the students acquire theoretical knowledge, grounded in real practice. It is the contention of this paper that though creating an ICT environment for teaching and learning in Nigeria may seem difficut, it would enhance students' achievement in VET, hence the thrust of this paper. © 2011 Academic Journals.