Volume 11, Issue 1
TECHNICAL AND SOFT SKILLS NEEDED BY COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDENTS FOR VIRTUAL AND REMOTE LABORATORIES FOR INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME IN THE HIGER INSTITUTION
Nwanmadu, Chukwuebuka Eleazer., Ugwuanyi, Sunday C. Kanu, Mavis Obianuju; Ugwuoke, Offorbuike Rowland, Maduahaonwu, Ukamaka T. & Ezeaku, Nonyelum Agatha
ABSTRACT
The study aims at determining the technical and soft skills needed by computer science students for virtual and remote laboratories for Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme. Two research questions were adopted for the study. The research questions were used to design the questionnaire for collection of data from the respondents. The questionnaire contains 15 item statements. The Instrument was face validated by 3 experts. Two (2) of the experts are lecturers in computer science department(s) while the remaining expert is an industrial training staff. Cronbach alpha was used in testing the reliability and validity of the Instrument. Average reliability value of 0.85 was obtained. Sampling technique adopted for the study was total sampling technique. findings of the study revealed that programming aids using sharable devices, coding using virtual lab, debugging of codes in virtual lab, analyzing of data in virtual lab, exploration of data using virtual lab machine, development of software in virtual lab, management of industrial databases from virtual lab and monitoring of industrial network remotely from a virtual lab are all technical skills required by the computer science students for Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme. Identification of industrial computing devices from virtual lab, communication with workers from a virtual lab, detection of industrial computing objects from a virtual lab, sensing of electrical impulse from a virtual lab, Interpretation of electrical signal for action from a virtual lab and manipulation of objects using hepatic/robotic arm from a virtual lab are all soft skills required by computer science students for Industrial Work Experience.
Keywords: Technical skills for Virtual/Remote Lab, Soft skills for Virtual/Remote Lab, Virtual and Remote Laboratory, Industrial Internet of Things, SIWES, Haptic and Tactile sensing
Promoting Access to AI-Driven Educational Technologies in Public Secondary Schools in Underprivileged Communities in Lagos State
A.K. Adeyefa, O. G. Akindoju, O.A Gbeleyi, J.A. Adeleye
Abstract
This paper examines strategies for promoting access to AI-driven educational technologies in public secondary schools in underprivileged communities in Lagos State. Two research questions and one hypothesis guided the paper. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques. A total of 12 classes comprised of 25 SS2 students and 12 teachers of each class were selected in each school, which is a total of 312 of total samples. Semi-structured interviews and questionnaires serve as primary data collection for this study. The questionnaire was analyzed using chi-square while the responses to the Semi-structured interview were analyzed using thematic analysis. The instrument’s content was validated by expert opinion. The instrument’s reliability was validated using Cronbach’s alpha; and with a reliability coefficient of 0.88. The study found significant barriers (limited access to AI-driven education, limited digital literacy, insufficient teacher training, government policy support, and access to smart devices) and challenges in accessing AI-driven educational technologies in public secondary schools in underprivileged communities in Lagos State. Also, the study found a potential negative impact of the unavailability of these AI-driven opportunities on educational outcomes in public secondary schools in underprivileged communities in Lagos State. Based on the findings of this research, it was recommended that the Lagos State government and stakeholders should prioritize the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy that outlines a clear roadmap for the integration of AI-driven solutions across all educational levels in underprivileged communities.
Keywords: AI-driven, Educational Outcomes, Underprivileged Communities, Digital divides, Secondary Schools, and Educational Outcomes.
Perceived Influence of the Internet of Things on Implementation and Management of Big Data in Office Environments in University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Madu-Saba M. Babalulu (PhD), Lynda C. Ezechukwu (PhD), Bright Ikechukwu Ekezie
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to ascertain the extent of implementation of the internet of things (IoT) and how IoT was viewed to affect the administration of big data in office settings in University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN). The investigation was conducted using a descriptive survey design. Fifty employees from the e-learning centre, main library, bursary, old library, management information system, and Zenith ICT Centre all in UNN made up the study's population. The main tool for gathering data for the study was a structured questionnaire. Experts validated the instrument, and the final version was created by incorporating their recommendations and modifications. The instrument was trial tested with the same type of respondents in Federal University of Technology, Owerri and Imo State University, all in Imo State and a reliability coefficient of 0.77 was ascertained. The data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to determine the current state of implementation, factors to consider and perceived impact of IoT in big data management practices in UNN. The findings indicated a poor state of availability and utilization of IoT devices in the offices. It also revealed that the staff (respondents) have an appreciable knowledge of the important factors to consider and the positive influence of IoT in big data management in modern offices. It was therefore, recommended that management support is required to acquire modern IoT-integrated electronics, technology and regular performance improvement of personnel involved for mega changes in offices.
Keywords: Internet of Things, Big Data, Management, Practice, Modern Office, University of Nigeria Nsukka
Integrating Soft Skills into the Accounting Practices of Business Education for Effective Job Performance of Business Education Graduates in the Digital Era
Oliver O. Okanazu PhD, Chukwu, Chibugo Happiness Lawani Bridget, and Aderoju, John Aderogba PhD
Abstract
This paper sought to determine the soft skills that can be integrated into accounting practices for effective job performance of Business Education graduates in Benue State. Three research questions and three null hypotheses were formulated for this study. The researchers adopted a descriptive survey design. Area of the study was in Benue State. The population of the study comprised of 380 of Business Educators. There was no sample sine the population was manageable. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire designed to elicit responses based on the study's research questions. The instrument was validated by three experts, two in Business Education and one in Measurement and Evaluation. Reliability of the instrument was obtained using Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The overall reliability index for the instrument was .89. The data collection was analyzed using Mean and standard deviation for the research questions, while t-test was used to test the hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The results obtained indicated that the graduates were of the opinion that soft skills such as creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills can be integrating into the accounting practices for effective job performance of Business Education graduates in this knowledge-based economy. It was also recommended that Business education students should be equipped with relevant soft skills such as creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills required for efficient implementation of accounting best practices for effective job performance of Business Education graduates in the world of work.
Keywords: Soft Skills, Accounting Practices, Effective Job Performance, Business education students
Blockchain Technology usage in Real Estate for transition to smart economy
Ugwuanyi, Sunday Chinedu, Nwanmadu, Chukwuebuka Eleazer, and Rosemary Chika Nweze
Abstract
The core technology behind Bitcoin is blockchain, which is a digital ledger composed of entries known as blocks that are connected in a specific order referred to as a chain. As various markets experience technological innovations, blockchain stands out as the most probable technology to be adopted. Numerous sectors, especially real estate, require a solution that enhances market efficiency, security, and transparency, as asset exchanges in this field often involve many intermediaries, an uneven distribution of information, and a lack of accountability. These issues lead to costly, fraud-sensitive, and cumbersome transactions within the real estate market. Blockchain technologies are emerging across various sectors, including financial services, reputation systems, corporate governance, human resources, and, amid other things, the Internet of Things (IoT).This paper offers a thorough exploration of the application of blockchain technology in the real estate sector as a means of transitioning to a smart economy. We provided three approaches on how the use of blockchain technology can solve real estate problem. The three approaches are distributed ledger with per-to-peer, smart contract and asset tokenization.
Keywords: Blockchain, bitcoin, asymmetry of information, vulnerable, smart contract, peer-to-peer, tokenization
Exploring the Role of Artificial Intelligence Tools in Conducting Educational Assessment in Tertiary Institutions
Dashe Miapmuk Obadiah, Dr. Zipporah P. Duguryil & Dakas Nandak James
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various aspects of education, including the critical domain of assessment. AI technology tools provide numerous benefits for educational assessment by improving accuracy and efficiency, generating immediate results for students and enabling lecturers to adapt their lecture method that meet the desire needs of students. AI has the potential to transform the teaching and learning, and assessment. AI tools are transforming traditional methods of evaluating students' knowledge and skills by providing objectivity, and personalized insights. This paper explores the role of AI tools in educational assessment, its benefits, challenges, and future implications for educators, students, policy-makers. To fill the existing gap, the paper presents strategies to address these challenges and enhance the effectiveness of AI in educational assessment.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, AI Technology, Educational Assessment.
Perceived Influence of Adoption of Biometric Class Attendance System in Nigerian Universities
Christian Basil Omeh, Chijioke Jonathan Olelewe, Catherine Chiugo Kanu, Ngozi Justina Igwe, Charles Tochukwu Orjiakor, Edward Anoliefo, Kalu T. U. Ogba, Emmanuel Onwuka Ibam, Chiemezie Atama, Damian Chigozie Ugwu, Chijioke Ayogu, Sorochi Thankgod Nwokorie
Abstract
This study sought to determine the perceived
influence of adoption of biometric class
attendance system in Nigerian universities.
A mixed research design was adopted for
the study. Three research questions and
three hypotheses guided the study. Study
sample was 546 third year students from the
six sampled departments in a large public
university in south-east Nigeria. A purposive
sampling was used based on the
participant's abilities to meet the study
requirement in adoption of biometric class
attendance system. Also, a semi-structured
interview was use to ascertain responses
that structured questionnaire could not
elicit. The instrument for data collection
involved a 5-open ended interview
questions, and structured questionnaire.
Mean, standard deviation, exploratory
factor analysis and analyses of variance
(ANOVA) were used to analyze the data
collected for the study using NVivo and
SPSS. The findings of the study revealed that
94% of the participants considered
declarative knowledge of the electronic
class attendance monitoring system relevant
tool for capturing attendance. Also, lack of
confidence owing to anxiety of new
technology, inadequate coverage of
institutional Wi-Fi, among others were the
challenges limiting students' adoption of the
electronic class attendance monitoring
system. This study recommends that
university administration should urgently
take steps to address students' related
constraints for ease of use of biometrics
class attendance systems.
Keywords: Biometric Class Attendance
System, declarative knowledge, constraints,
Strategies, University education.
Constraints to Effective Utilization of Electronic Learning in Computer Studies in Junior Secondary Schools in Nsukka Urban, Enugu State, Nigeria
ENEOVO John Ifeanyi
Abstract
This study investigated the constraints to effective utilization of electronic learning in computer
studies in junior secondary schools in Nsukka Urban, Enugu State, Nigeria. The study adopted a
descriptive survey research design. The population consist 1,486 respondents. Sample and
sampling technique was in stages; first stage: cluster sampling was used to select nine (9) public
secondary schools in Nsukka urban; second stage: purposive sampling technique was used to
select junior secondary school students that offered computer studies in Nsukka urban; third
stage: systematic sampling technique was used to select the sample size of 149 respondents;
fourth stage: stratified random sampling technique was used to generate the sample size of
respondents per school, as well as the sample size of JS I and JS II students in each school . The
instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire that contained 25 items. The
instrument was subjected to face validation by three experts in the Department of Computer and
Robotics Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The reliability of the instrument was
established using Cronbach Alpha reliability method which yielded reliability index of 0.63,
indicating high reliability. The data for the study was collected by the researcher with the help of
three research assistants. The data collected for the study was analysed using mean to answer
each of the three research questions, and standard deviation was used to determine the closeness
or otherwise of opinions of the respondents from the group mean, while the null hypotheses were
tested using an independent sample t-test at 0.05 level of significance. Based on the data
analysed, the result revealed lack of students' personal digital devices owing to income
disparities, unsteady power supply, inadequate ICT infrastructure, among others were constraints
to effective utilization of electronic learning in computer studies in junior secondary schools in
Nsukka Urban, Enugu State, Nigeria. Thus, recommendations were made among others that
students should be provided with digital technologies and taught on how to use them. The school
management should provide facilities needed for effective utilization of electronic learning, and
proper management and handling of school's infrastructural facilities.
Keywords: Electronic Learning; Computer Studies; Constraints; Utilization; Nsukka Urban.
Leveraging e-Learning Resources for Enhanced Computer Education programme in Colleges of Education in Enugu State, Nigeria
OKPE Josephine Odinaka, OLELEWE Chijioke Jonathan, ASOGWA Chinonye Emmanuel, BAKWA Dunka Dirting, OMEH Christian Basil