Integrating E-Learning Platforms for Teaching Trade Skills in Technical Colleges in Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the integration of e-learning platforms for teaching trade skills in technical colleges in Abia State, Nigeria. Three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population comprised 51 teachers, including 40 males and 11 females, from two functional technical colleges in Abia state. The entire population was utilised for the study. A structured 30-item questionnaire titled “Integrating E-Learning Platforms for Teaching Trade Skills in Technical Colleges Questionnaire (IELPTTSTCQ)” was used to collect data for the study. The instrument was validated by two experts from the department of ITE and one expert from the Measurement and Evaluation unit in the department of Science Education, all in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State. A reliability coefficient of .84 was obtained using Cronbach Alpha formula. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while t-test was used to test the hypotheses at .05 level of significance. Findings revealed a low extent of teachers’ awareness and utilisation of e-learning platforms for teaching trade skills, though teachers demonstrated a high level of readiness to integrate such platforms into their instructional practices. Additionally, no significant difference was found between male and female teachers in their levels of awareness, utilisation, and readiness. The study concluded that, despite low levels of awareness and utilisation, teachers are willing and motivated to embrace e-learning integration if supported with training and infrastructure. It was recommended that government and educational authorities intensify efforts toward teacher training, ICT infrastructure provision, and policy enforcement to promote the effective integration of e-learning in technical colleges.