Utilization of E-Learning Facilities by Science Teacher Educators for Teaching Pre-Service Teachers in Nigerian Colleges of Education

Abstract

E-learning facilities are necessary to meet the challenges of the contemporary world education competitiveness in scientific and technological advancement. This study investigated the availability and utilization of e-learning facilities by science teacher educators in teaching pre-service teachers in South-East Nigerian Colleges of Education. One hundred and sixty-seven (167) science teacher educators participated in the study. A researcher-developed fifty five-item questionnaire with reliability co-efficient of 0.87 was used to collect data. Four research questions guided the conduct of the study. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Results show that some of the listed e-learning facilities were available for teaching science in Nigerian Colleges of Education to a high extent. Some of these include computer, printer, computer laboratory and public address system. On the average however, most e-learning facilities were available to a moderate extent. Results also revealed that science teacher educators use e-learning facilities to a moderate extent. High cost of computer units, lack of prior knowledge on the part of the students on usage of computers, low browsing speed resulting to wastage of payer’s money and unavailability of some e-learning facilities due to poor funding are some of the factors that contribute to poor usage of e-learning facilities. The researchers recommended (among others) that schools should be provided with e-teaching and e-learning facilities and science teacher educators should undergo regular in-service training and re-training programs.