Project Material on; IMPACTS OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY ON TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS
IMPACTS OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY ON TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Educational technology has become an integral aspect of modern education, influencing teaching methodologies, learning outcomes, and overall educational experiences (Knezek & Christensen, 2019). In the context of senior secondary schools in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, the integration of educational technology has garnered significant attention due to its potential to enhance teacher effectiveness and student engagement (Cheng et al., 2020). As such, understanding the impacts of educational technology on teacher effectiveness within this specific region is crucial for informing educational policies and practices.
The utilization of educational technology tools in teaching has been associated with various benefits, including improved instructional delivery, enhanced student motivation, and increased learning outcomes (Wang et al., 2017). In Nsukka Local Government Area, where educational resources may be limited, the effective integration of technology can bridge educational gaps and provide students with access to diverse learning materials (Hai-Jew, 2018). Moreover, integrating technology into teaching practices can empower teachers to employ innovative pedagogical approaches that cater to diverse learning styles and preferences (Marino & Beecher, 2021).
However, the effective integration of educational technology into teaching practices requires adequate support and training for teachers (Ertmer et al., 2019). In Nsukka Local Government Area, where teachers may have varying levels of technological proficiency, providing continuous professional development opportunities is essential for ensuring that educators can harness the full potential of educational technology tools (Ferdig et al., 2020). Furthermore, addressing infrastructure challenges, such as access to reliable internet connectivity and sufficient digital devices, is imperative for facilitating seamless integration of educational technology in senior secondary schools (Lim & Tondeur, 2019).
Moreover, the effectiveness of educational technology integration in senior secondary schools is contingent upon the alignment between technology use and pedagogical goals (Papadakis & Kalogiannakis, 2021). Simply incorporating technology into classrooms without considering its relevance to curriculum objectives may yield limited benefits (Kebritchi et al., 2017). Therefore, educators in Nsukka Local Government Area must adopt a