EDUCATIONAL MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY: A PANACEA FOR EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING AMONG TRAINEE ADULT EDUCATORS IN UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT

Abstract

Educational Media and Technology (EMT) has become an integral part of most teaching and learning process. In many developing countries like Nigeria, educators recognize the benefits of the integration of EMT, but due to some constraints like economic, political and poor infrastructure, many have not been able to equip themselves adequately. This study was an investigation of trainee adult educators’ views on the use of EMT, during teaching practice exercise. One hundred undergraduate students of the Department of Adult and Non-Formal Education, University of Port Harcourt, who had undergone a teaching practice (practicum) programme in secondary schools and twelve lecturers of the department, were involved in this study. Four research questions guided the study while descriptive survey design was used for the study. Data were analyzed using frequency counts and opinionated views. Findings indicated that trainees appreciated the benefits of EMT in teaching and learning, although majority of them did not use EMT during their teaching practice exercise. There were problems of inadequate funding and functioning EMT facilities in their practicing schools. Finally, the study made some recommendations on how to promote the utilization of EMT to ensure effective teaching and learning.