ASSESSMENT OF CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS’ KNOWLEDGE AND READINESS TO UTILIZE EDUCATIONAL ROBOTICS FOR CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION IN ILORIN METROPOLIS, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study determined the extent to which childhood educators have the knowledge and the readiness to utilize robotics for classroom instruction in Ilorin metropolis. The design employed for this study was a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study consisted of all primary school teachers in Ilorin metropolis, while the target population was basic (1-5) public and private and primary school teachers in Ilorin metropolis. A sample size of 240 teachers was selected from the target population using a Simple random sampling technique. A researcher self-designed instrument titled "Robotic Education Teachers Test and Questionnaire on Teachers Readiness 1o utilize robotics" was used for data collection. Which was face and content validated, and the reliability index was 0.67. The demographic characteristics of respondents were described using descriptive statistical Tools of percentage and frequency, while mean and standard deviation was used to answer the research questions. The inferential statistical tool of ANOVA was used to test the formulated hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings indicated that teachers have low knowledge but are moderately ready to utilize educational robotic irrespective of their qualification and School type. Recommendation was made for the government to encourage local universities, technology hubs and professional to support the integration of robotics in primary schools.