Educators’ Competence and Utilization of Social Media in Science Teacher Education

Abstract

The study investigated Educators' competence and utilization of social media in science teacher education. The study was carried out in Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, Imo state. Based on the purpose of the study, 2 research questions guided the study. The population of the study consists of all the Educators in school of science of the Institution. Based on the size of the population of the educators in school of science, they were all used as sample for the study. The descriptive survey research design was adopted in carrying out the study. The instrument for data collection was a researcher made likert 4-point type questionnaire titled "Educators Competence and Utilization of Social Media (ECUSM)". The instrument had reliability coefficient of 0.83 determined using the Pearson's Product Moments Correlation Coefficient formula. The instrument was administered to the respondents on face-to-face basis by the researcher. The result of the study revealed that the educators were competent on the use of social media for personal purposes. Social media platforms were not utilized for academic purposes in the training of trainee teachers. Based on the result it was recommended that teacher educators should be trained on the utilization of social media in teacher training process through seminars, workshops and conferences.

Influence of Gender on Educators’ Competence and Use of Digital Technologies in Higher Education

“…This is suspected to emanate from the consistent clamor by school authorities mandating educators to present their lectures through digital avenues. The result is in line with Nwoke, et al (2020) which revealed that educators are moderately competent with the use of social media platforms for personal purposes such as communications, information, sourcing of academic materials, and other social factors.…”

“…The success of digital technologies application in higher education system is dependent on the educators and their level of competence on handling the digital devices. Nwoke, Ikwuanusi and Onuoha (2020) citing Orji and Abolarin, referred to competence as the effectiveness or ability of anyone concerned to apply the acquired knowledge and skill to achieve desired results.…”