Abstract:

The Open and Distance Learning (ODL) education for science teachers is seen as a solution to the problems of equity and access to teacher education in Nigeria. It is used to provide cost-effective Science Teacher Education, and to train large numbers of teachers within a short period of time. The need for training science teachers through ODL systems is becoming more critical and necessary. The study explored the contribution of Science Teacher Education within the context of Open and Distance Learning in the following areas: time spent on electronics devices, skill development in the use of computer technologies and applications, Extent of use of IT in courses and course management system features. The study used a survey method. Stratified sampling technique was adopted. Two hundred and fifty (250) questionnaires were sent out and one hundred and seventy three (173) were returned. The result shows that that there is a significant positive correlation between science teachers education within the context of Open Distance Learning and time spent on electronics devices, skill development in the use of computer technologies and application, Extent of use of IT in courses and course management system features at R=0.688, 0.625, 0.165, 0.607, 0.500, with the p value of < 0.05 level of significance. This result implies that increase on each of these variables will further enhance Science Teacher Education.

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