Even with the advancement in level of technology in the world, some undergraduate students still do not know how to use computer. Most of the student understand their smart phones more than their computer. There are so many reasons why most undergraduate students are not computer literate; it could be as a result of lack of fund to acquire a computer system or go attend a computer training class, it could also be lack of interest and procrastination to learn the use of computer.
Computer Education
In recent times, the world has witnessed a rapid increase in technological innovations. This era ushered in the advent of the electronic computer system among other modern technologies. At present the computer technology has permeated nearly all aspects of human organizational roles and education. Computer encompasses almost all facets of human endeavours. So much has been written on it and its relatedness to all areas of human disciplines, which include computer/information technology, engineering, agriculture etc. However, much work has not been done on computer and its application and relevance to education.
See samples of Research project topics on computer science education
Development in science and technology has brought into lime light the indispensable roles of computer in the area of information technology. It is a new instructional system. Computer has become the ‘nowology’ in our society and possibly futuristic years ahead. In schools, computers are widely used; and the need for computer technology and literacy in the educational system has become more relevant. Computer has been found to be an effective device for presenting an instructional programme.
Computer illiteracy Among Undergraduate Students
To understand the term computer illiteracy, you have to understand what it means to be computer literate. Computer literacy in this context simply means an undergraduate student being able to complete tasks on a computer without assistance. Being able to understand the basic functions of software. As well as how to solve common problems when they arise. Even most beginners can figure out how to turn on a computer. They understand from watching others how a mouse and keyboard work. They may even know how to use a word processor. Anything above that and they get lost. People with moderate computer literacy may understand a few programs commonly used at work. They may understand the basics of things like a virus. But they are lacking in skills that are still basic. For example, they may not understand how to install software of use hot keys. An expert can handle most problems and are capable of using commonly available software. Even most experts in one area are lacking in knowledge of other basic skills. There really is not a question anymore about the role computers will play in our lives. They have rapidly taken over and it will only get worse. Basic computer skills are no longer an option, they are mandatory. You use them for school, work and even in our personal lives. We shop with them, we communicate with them.
In today’s modern world, you can no longer walk into a department store and pick up a job application. You have to go to the website. We do not order merchandise from a catalog anymore, we buy it online. When it comes to just about any type of employment at nearly any level, you will probably be using a computer for at least part of the day. Anything from writing reports, sending emails or tracking inventory everything in the workplace now requires computer skills.
Academic performance
Academic performance is a multidimensional construct composed of the skills, attitudes, and behaviors of a learner that contribute to academic success in the classroom. It is a satisfactory and superior level of performance of students as they progress through and complete their school experience. The implication of this definition is underscored by research which repeatedly demonstrates that the vast majority of students who withdraw from school do so for no reason other than poor academic performance.
Academic performance by students has always been a subject of interest to every educational institution. Whereas there is a consensus that schools should play a major role in this process, there seems to be disagreement about what exactly that role should be. While some believe that the primary focus of schools should be the academic preparation of students. Others however believe that efforts of schools should be integrated with other social institutions such as family and community towards educating children.
Academic instruction is arguably the primary business of education. To this end, schools are expected to influence students’ learning, socialisation, and even vocational preparedness. Despite the attention paid to a broad definition of educational outcomes, however, academic performance remains central. Students’ academic performance is a term that appears frequently married in higher education discourse.
The benefits of computer education to undergraduate students
The world is advancing at a rapid rate. Events have moved to the electronic stage with the computer at the center. This development has brought a lot of innovation and revolution into teaching and learning. The 3R’s which forms the nucleus of the old system of education has witnessed series of literacy reforms. The world is now in the age of information technology or computers age, hence, there is a need to keep abreast of time. One of the ways of achieving this is through the introduction of computer education in our institutions of learning. Computer education is the effort or the ability to make the generality of the people computer literate. Computer literacy means ability to tell the computer what you want it to do and understand what the computer says. To be computer literate amounts to be able to read, write and speak the language of the computer. Computer education encapsulates computer literacy, Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI), and Computer Appreciation. Among the terms used to describe computer in a learning environment are Computer-Based Education (CBE), Computer Managed Instruction (CMI), Computer Supported Learning (CSL), Computer Assisted Learning (CAL), Computerized Instruction (CI), Computer Assisted Teacher (CAI) and the like. In addition, the need for computer education in Nigerian secondary schools lies in the potentials of computer instructional purposes and its utility value. The computer is a tireless, relentless, evaluating teacher which has several modes of instruction at its disposal such as sound, sight and tough. A computer can present words to be spelled, sound to be made, instructions to be followed, images and symbols to be responded to by touching. Computer can be used to evaluate student’s performance and direct student backward, forward and sideways for appropriate learning activities. Its patience, memory and endless capacity for details are assets that defy competition from ordinary teacher. The computer can present diagnostic test, provide branched progrmames to accommodate individual needs, and furnish prescriptive assignments that might refer the student to a textbook, a laboratory experiment or a consultation with the instructor. The computer is diligent and consistent in its mode of operation, as it does not suffer from tiredness or lack of concentration like human beings. Computer performs multi-functional roles in teaching and learning processes at all levels. At the primary and secondary levels of education students can explore and generate learning through computer programme. At the tertiary level, computer can be used to store the daily or weekly observation of experiments in science. It can be used to mix colour, separate colours, scan, draw, design various things and create charts and graphs for instructional purposes.