EXTENT OF ICT UTILIZATION AND AVAILABLE RESOURCES FOR TEACHING BUSINESS EDUCATION COURSES IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the extent of availability and utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) resources for teaching business education courses in Oyo state tertiary institutions. Specifically, the study investigated the extent of ICT usage in teaching and learning, assessed how ICT resources are utilized, and examined gender-based differences in students' perceptions. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised all Business Education students in three government-owned tertiary institutions in Oyo State: Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo; Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo; and Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate. A sample of 150 Business Education students (50 from each institution) was purposively selected. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled "Questionnaire on ICT in Business Education" (QIBE) with a reliability coefficient of 0.88 obtained through test-retest method. Frequency counts, percentages, mean, and standard deviation were used to answer research questions, while independent samples t-test was employed to test hypotheses at 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed low extent of ICT utilization in teaching and learning Business Education courses (grand mean = 2.31). Furthermore, ICT resources were poorly utilized in instructional delivery (grand mean = 2.19), with all items rated below the acceptable mean of 2.50. The study also found no significant difference in the mean responses of male and female students on the role of ICT (t-cal = 1.42, p > 0.05) and on ICT resource utilization (t-cal = 1.18, p > 0.05). The study recommended that government and institutional management should prioritize the provision of functional ICT facilities, ensure stable internet connectivity, organize regular ICT training workshops for both lecturers and students, and enforce ICT integration in curriculum delivery.