DIGITAL LITERACY AND UTILIZATION OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES AMONG BASIC SCIENCE TEACHERS IN ANAMBRA STATE: IMPLICATIONS FOR EFFECTIVE SCIENCE TEACHING

Abstract

A research study on the digital literacy and utilization of educational technologies among Basic science teachers in Anambra state. Four research questions guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive research survey design. The population used was 178 Basic Science teachers in public secondary schools in Anambra State.The whole population was used because its manageable. The method of reliability is Cronbach Alpha. The instrument used was a structured questionnaire, which yielded a reliability of coefficient of 0.81. The method of analyses used was arithmetic mean. The finding of the study showed that Basic Science teachers in Anambra State possess digital literacy skills in Microsoft word, PowerPoint presentation, internet browsing, WhatsApp communication, Google form, Excel and have the ability to join a meeting or training virtually. They agreed that their digital literacy skills help them to deliver lessons effectively, simplify complex scientific concept, engage students among others. It was also revealed that most frequently utilize digital tools are Google search, Youtube, Microsoft word, WhatsApp and AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) which are used for instructional purposes. Some challenges such as lack of reliable internet in school, insufficient training on digital tools, inadequate digital devices, frequents power outages, large class sizes, preparing digital lessons with digital tools, and lack of personal digital devices by the students hinder the effective use of digital tools in teaching. The study’s findings recommend that Lesson plan submission and supervision should be done online weekly by the school management, Digital gadget like phone tablet should be one of the prospectuses for students’ admission packages in secondary schools in Anambra State, Curriculum developers should develop a tech-driven Basic Science Curriculum for effective teaching and Government should provide technical training for both teachers and students.