Evaluation Of Computer Science Education Programme
(Case Study Of Enugu State College Of Education (Technical)
Assessing the efficacy of a computer science education program involves a comprehensive analysis of various components, including curriculum design, teaching methodologies, student engagement, assessment strategies, and the integration of emerging technologies. The evaluation encompasses an examination of how well the program aligns with industry demands, fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, promotes collaboration and creativity, and addresses diversity and inclusion. Additionally, the assessment involves gauging the program’s adaptability to evolving technological landscapes, its responsiveness to feedback from stakeholders, such as students, educators, employers, and researchers, and its overall impact on student learning outcomes and career readiness. By employing diverse assessment techniques, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and performance metrics, educators and policymakers can iteratively refine and enhance computer science education programs to meet the dynamic needs of the field and maximize student success in the rapidly evolving digital age.
The study evaluated computer science education programme in Enugu State College of Education, Technical, Enugu. Four research questions were asked and ensured.
The research method used is survey type.
The population of the study is 1262 (one thousand two hundred and sixty two). Data were corrected from two hundred students (200) and five (5) lecturers of the department of computer science Education in ESECT. The instrument used was questioner. The instrument was validated by the academic staff of the computer science education in ESECT. The questioners were administered and collected fro data analysis.
The data collected were analyzed using means. After analysis it was fund out that the following responses were indicated by having high mean value. The major findings of the study were inadequate of conducive offices for working, unsteady power supply for practical, inability of the students to write programming language. Based on this recommendations the school authority should help in providing steady power supply, computer laboratory for practical
Title Page
Approval Page
Dedication
Acknowledgment
Abstract
Table Of Content
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION 1
Background Of The Study 1
Statement Of The Problem 4
Purpose Of The Study 5
Significance Of The Study 5
Research Questions 6
Scope Of Study 7
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW RELATED LITERATURE 8
Relevance Of Computer In Education 8
Methodology Of Teaching Computer Education 11
Application Of Computer In Other Area Of Life 15
Contribution Of Computer In Ict 17
Materials For Teaching/Learning Of Computer Education 18
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 20
Design Of The Study 20
Area Of Study 20
Population Of The Study 20
Sample And Sampling Techniques 21
Validation Of The Instrument 22
Administration Of The Instrument 22
Decision Rule 24
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS 25
CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS 34
Conclusion Of Findings 37
Implication Of The Study 38
Limitations Of The Study 39
Recommendations 39
Summary 40
References 42
Questionnaire 44
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Enugug State College of Education (Technical) is about the youngest higher institution in the state. The institution started with several schools and department. Computer science Education is one of the departments in the school of Science Education. Most of the basic sciences both physical and natural sciences are combined with computer science education. This is an indication that computer science is about the biggest department in terms of population. One cannot evaluate computer science education effectively without having full knowledge of computer. According to Odo (2005), computer can be defined as an electronic device that can:
1. Accept data
2. Store data
3. Manipulate data as information and
4. Produce an intelligible result (information) as an output.
According to BBC English dictionary courtesy of education tax fund (2003), Computer is an electronic machine that makes quick calculations and data deals with large amount of information. Onah (2003), further described computer as an electronic machine that accepts data through the input unit, process data through the central processing unit and produce information through output unit.
On the other hand, education is defined as the inculcation of skill, knowledge, values, attitude and norms that are both formal and informal to the leaner (Eze, 2001).
According to Odo, Ede and Ezike (2000) education is what happens to human beings from the day they are born to the day they die. Also Nzeneri (2005), defined education as any planned series of incidents, having humanistic basic and directed towards the participants learning and understanding. Today, computer system has helped in making human activities easy. Computer has also helped in information, communication and technology which make communication easy and common. Accountants also use computers in their day-to-day business transaction. Managers in different companies use computer to calculate job estimate of some certain projects. Computer provides assistance in school word processing, school administration, data storage and retrieval. Computer as an instructional tool that presents and interprets the response known as computer assisted instruction (CAI). CAL provides individualized instruction in the form known as computers management instruction (CMI). It can also be used in educational research to control laboratory experiment. Similarly computers are used in experimental data processing. Most analyses which make our life relatively easy are done by computers. Olinya (2003) stated that all the efforts of human being in education are geared towards the easiest, quickest and most reliable way for students to learn and make good use of computers.
Similarly Odo (2005) emphasized that Nigeria government is not neglecting their responsibilities for making schools to succeed in achieving her national goal for technological development.
Computer science education study are available in Enugu state college of education (Technical) and is not left-out as well as other colleges of education at both federal and state level. Computers are used as teaching aid or instructional tools in colleges of education.
Computer education is therefore a recent development in our educational institutions.
Statement of the Problem
Poor performance is one of the problems facing computer education students in our school. This problem was as a result of lack of teaching materials source. Computer science laboratory is another problem facing computer students in our school. We don’t have enough laboratory accommodate the population of students in our school as management lacked found to build spacious computer laboratories.
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of the study is to evaluate computer science education programme in Enugu state college of education (Technical) Enugu, specifically the study sought to:
i. Ascertain the teaching methods used in teaching computer education in ESCET.
ii. Ascertain the problems encountered by teachers in teaching computer science education.
iii. Ascertain performance of students in computer science education.
iv. Determine the effectiveness of curriculum in computer education.
v. Determine the qualification level of computer teachers in college of education.
Significance of the Study
The study would be of immense benefit to the students when the study is published and the evaluation is valid. It would also be of benefit to the teachers when published in other to find out if there are some missing links in the evaluation. The study would help teachers to find out how effective the curriculum is. Also it would save teachers time in teaching a large group of students practical based on the provision of facilities available.
Students would also benefit from the study if some of their problem would be identified by the study. Students would also perform better after getting feedback on evaluation of the study.
Finally, the study would also be of benefit to the ministry of education and curriculum builders of colleges of Education such as National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).
Research Questions
The following research questions guided the study.
1. What are the problems of lecturers in teaching computers science education in ESCET?
2. What are the methods of teaching computer science education in Enugu state college of education (Technical) Enugu (ESCET)?
3. What are the qualifications of computer science lecturers in ENugu state college of education (Technical) Enugu?
4. What is the performance of the students of computer science education in Enugu state college of education (Technical) Enugu?
Scope of Study
This research work is limited to the entire population of computer students and lecturers in Enugu state college of education (Technical) Enugu.
The study evaluated the teaching and learning processes in the department of computer science Education in ESCET. The study also evaluated the problems of teaching and learning process in computer science Education.
Computer Science Education Programme:
A Computer Science Education Program refers to a structured curriculum and set of courses designed to teach individuals the fundamentals and advanced concepts of computer science. These programs can be offered at various educational levels, including primary and secondary schools, colleges, universities, and even online platforms. The goal of such programs is to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and work with computers, software, algorithms, and various aspects of computing.
Here are some key components and elements often found in a Computer Science Education Program:
- Core Concepts: These programs typically cover core concepts such as algorithms, data structures, programming languages, computer architecture, and software development methodologies.
- Programming: Students usually learn one or more programming languages, gaining proficiency in coding and problem-solving. Common languages taught include Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript.
- Mathematics: Mathematics is a fundamental component of computer science, and students may study areas like discrete mathematics, linear algebra, calculus, and probability theory.
- Operating Systems: Understanding the basics of how operating systems work, including processes, memory management, and file systems, is often included in the curriculum.
- Databases: Students learn about database management systems, SQL (Structured Query Language), and database design.
- Web Development: Web technologies, including HTML, CSS, and web development frameworks, are often taught to prepare students for web development roles.
- Data Structures and Algorithms: In-depth study of data structures (e.g., arrays, linked lists, trees) and algorithms (e.g., sorting, searching) is crucial for efficient problem-solving.
- Software Engineering: Concepts related to software development processes, software design patterns, and project management may be covered.
- Networking: Basics of computer networks, protocols, and network security are essential for understanding how data is transmitted and secured.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Depending on the program’s level and focus, students might delve into AI and machine learning concepts and techniques.
- Ethics and Cybersecurity: As computing technologies have ethical and security implications, programs may include courses on ethics, cybersecurity, and data privacy.
- Capstone Projects: Many programs culminate with a capstone project where students apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems or develop software applications.
- Internships and Practical Experience: Some programs may facilitate internships or co-op experiences to give students hands-on experience in the field.
- Electives and Specializations: Students often have the option to choose electives or specialize in areas like cybersecurity, game development, data science, or software engineering.
- Online Learning Platforms: In recent years, there has been a surge in online platforms offering computer science courses and degrees, making education more accessible to a global audience.
Computer Science Education Programs can vary in duration and level of expertise they provide, ranging from short courses and certifications to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in computer science. The specific curriculum and requirements may differ between institutions and countries, but they aim to prepare individuals for careers in software development, data analysis, computer engineering, and related fields.