Impact of Digital-Learning Tools on Knowledge and Skills Acquisition in Agricultural Sciences among Secondary School Students in Northern Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64348/zije.2025210Keywords:
digital learning tools, agricultural education, knowledge acquisition, skill developmentAbstract
This study investigated the impact of digital learning tools on agricultural knowledge acquisition and skill development among secondary school students in rural Northern Nigeria. A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving 100 students from rural secondary schools, divided into an experimental group (using digital learning tools) and a control group (using traditional teaching methods). Data were collected through pre- and post-tests on agricultural knowledge, practical skill assessments, and a retention test. The results revealed that students in the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in both agricultural knowledge (mean increase of 30.60 points) and practical skills (mean increase of 31.65 points), compared to the control group, which showed smaller gains. The experimental group also exhibited better retention of knowledge, with a minimal decrease in post-test scores. Despite these positive outcomes, challenges such as lack of electricity, poor internet connectivity, inadequate teacher training, and limited access to digital devices were identified as major barriers to the effective implementation of digital tools. The findings suggest that digital learning tools significantly enhance agricultural education by improving students’ knowledge, skills, and retention, but highlight the need for addressing infrastructural and training-related challenges to maximize their effectiveness. This study underscores the importance of integrating technology into agricultural education, particularly in rural settings, to bridge educational gaps and foster sustainable agricultural development.
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