Technical Education is a comprehensive term referring to those processes involving, in addition to general education, the study of technologies and related sciences and the acquisition of practical skills, attitudes, understanding and knowledge relating to occupations in various sectors of economic and social life (FRN,2004). The goals of technical education are to provide the technical knowledge and vocational skills necessary for agricultural, industrial, commercial and economic development of the nation (FRN, 2004). By the above definition and goals, technical education becomes one of the most important paths for the realization of the industrial, agricultural and economic development of the nation.
Poor academic performance of students generally has attracted the attention of educationists and researchers as a major problem to science and technological development in Nigeria. Similarly, Ezeliora ( 2003) asserted that science and technology education have recorded poor academic performance of students in various courses or subjects at most of the levels of our educational system over the years. In view of these deteriorating trends in the performance of students generally in schools and colleges in the sciences, technology and mathematics courses, there is no doubt that, the situation needs urgent attention.
With the advances in technology and the advent of computerization and digitalization, various methods of instruction have been devised and used in teaching and learning to solve most instructional problems in developed countries. Though, in Nigeria, most of these innovations are yet to be fully employed in most institutions. Computers ease instructional problems and can be exploited to enhance teaching and learning in all schools. This is an area where an array of promising technological and educational development is currently emerging (Wajiga, 2006). Research indicate that ICT can change the teaching and it is especially useful in supporting student centered approaches to instruction, developing the higher order skills and promoting collaborative activities (Haddad, 2003). Recognizing the importance of ICT in teaching and learning, majority of the countries in the world have provided ICT teacher training in a variety of forms. Several efforts have been made by many countries to train teachers for effective use of computer as a tool for enhancing teaching and learning (Uko & Ebute, 2013). While Ibrahim (2012) further disclosed that computer is important in educational setting. The major importance include motivation, transformation of abstract idea to reality, facilitate understanding and comprehension of the subject matter and facts, address the needs of the users, thereby, making learners to learn on their own rate. Supporting this fact, Kara and Yakar ( 2009) observed that, Computer-Assisted Teaching do not only improve success but also develop higher level thinking abilities in students’ learning.
Teaching and learning of technical subjects especially Metalwork Technology continue to suffer as a result of over dependence on lecture method alone. It is essential technical education teachers devise other means by which knowledge and skills could be imparted to learners taking the advantage of modern technologies. This is the concern of this study.