The Role of Smart Technologies in the Development of Science Education in the 21st century

Abstract

The study investigated the role of smart technologies in the development of science education in the 21^st century. Based on the objectives of the study, 3 research questions and a hypothesis guided the study. The study was a descriptive survey type with a population consisting of all science education lecturers in the School of Sciences Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Owerri, Imo State. Based on the size of the population, the census sample technique was adopted. The instrument for data collection was a researcher made likert 4-point type questionnaire titled “Role of Smart Technologies in Development of Science Education (RSTDSE)”. It had reliability coefficient of 0.84 determined using Cronbach’s alpha reliability formula. The instrument was administered to the respondents and the data generated were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer research questions while, the hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance using t-test statistical tool. The result of the study revealed that smart technologies such as, smart phones, laptops, internet facilities, smart boards, computers, projectors, iPad and PowerPoint were available in the institution for learning. Smart Technologies had high positive impact on the development of science education in the 21^st century as demonstrated by the lecturers’ responses in the institution. Based on the result, it was recommended among others that lecturers should be retrained on the application of emerging technologies in science education such as smart technologies.