Assessment of the Use of Emerging Educational Technologies in The Teaching and Learning of Social Studies in Secondary Schools in Ogoja Education Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examined the level of usage of emerging technologies in the teaching and learning of Social Studies in secondary schools in Ogoja Education Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria. The paper maintained that teaching and learning are crucial in any educational endeavour, and Social Studies is an indispensable component of the school curriculum that requires the best, modern technological approach in its pedagogical process. The study was anchored on Bruner’s theory of instruction and survey research design. The population comprised all Social Studies teachers in public secondary schools in Ogoja Education Zone of Cross River State. This amounted to 234 teachers and 1855 students in five local government education authorities (LGEA). Using stratified and simple random sampling technique, three LGEAs were selected from which 72 teachers and 282 students were chosen for the study. A structured and validated questionnaire was the major instrument for data collection. Data was analysed using simple percentages, mean and standard deviation. Result showed that only very few teachers and students were aware emerging technologies and the utilisation in the study area. The major challenge in the use of emerging technologies is unavailability and inaccessibility of resources to procure and operate the technologies. It was recommended that faculties and colleges of education should provide adequate teacher-education training to enhance teachers’ capacity to use emerging technologies in schools.