Effectiveness of the infusion teaching approach for the development of general ICT skills in Nigerian tertiary education

Abstract

Purpose – There is considerable efforts by government and various agencies towards the development of information and communication technology (ICT) skills in the developing nations. The efforts include the procurement and deployment of ICT devices and curriculum development; but, these are not yielding the ultimate results as the digital divide continue to widen regionally. This calls for innovation in teaching and learning in ICT. The study assessed the effectiveness of infusion approach to teaching and learning in the tertiary education level. This approach utilises a framework and student-centred approach for which its effectiveness as an instructional delivery was tested for efficacy. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted quasi-experimental design with pretest and posttest comparison to assess the treatment given. Performance was measured quantitatively through online assessment. Findings – The results showed a phenomenal effectiveness of infusion approach to teaching and learning of general ICT skills as the participants achieved very high performance at the end of the instructional period. Research limitations/implications – This research is based on general ICT skills and covers a regional cross-section of Nigeria. Practical implications – Adoption of infusion approach to teaching and learning in ICT would close the prevailing knowledge gaps in the development of ICT skills. Social implications – This infusion approach would close the prevailing digital divide, thereby enhancing societal well-being. Originality/value – This is a novel approach to the development of ICT skills, which would enhance teaching and learning in ICT.

Keywords

• Innovation
• Digital knowledge gaps
• ICT instruction
• Infusion approach
• Infusion framework
• Student-centred learning