BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY MAKURDI

Review of the Book “Instructional Technology with Practical Application

to Classroom Procedure in Nigeria”
BY

IORTIM DIANA IWUESE

DEPTARTMENT:
CURRICULUM AND TEACHING

MAT No:
BSU/ED/EEN/DE/17/43510

LEVEL: 200L

COURSE:
B. A(ED) ENGLISH

EMAIL: dianaiortim@gmail.com

Phone No:08075466743
Review of the Book “Instructional Technology with Practical Application to
Classroom Procedure in Nigeria” by ZAYOL EUNICE

Introduction

The book Instructional Technology with practical application o classroom

procedure in Nigeria is mainly authored by Professor Nicholas Akise Ada,
Josephine Egbor Odey, Abuul Terna A., Solomon K. Agishi, Nathaniel N. Afaor whom
are renowned academician with the Benue state University Makurdi, the book is an
interesting piece that has a lot of inspiration.

Chapter One

This opening chapter begins by explaining “the meaning and nature of IT

(Instructional Technology) in review other Experts also point out that instructional
technology is not synonymous with digital training. Instead, it is a body of theory
about a field of technology that has various characteristics including applied
intellectual techniques, established disciplines and academic value, the chapter
also explains the place of Instructional Technology. For the teacher/learner
structure it also defines and explains the meaning of IT (Instructional Technology),
it goes further to state the contributions of IT in the instruction process stating the
significance of IT in the class room, it goes further to explain the general principle
of selection and utilization of Instructional materials, the chapter is concluded with
the explanation of educational Instructional Media.

Chapter Two

The crux of this chapter is majorly with systems approach to Instructional process,
it explains the concept “systems” it also explains systems approach to Instructional
Education analyzing the systematic representation of the process of education as a
system, most importantly expressing the dynamism of a system, it also states the
advantages of systems approach to instruction, it explain the critical role of the
teacher, as a teacher the roles are enormous, for instance, the teacher has to play
the role of a counselor, the role of a leader, the role of a manager etc., in the
systems approach, stating the needs of a teacher in order to plan adequately for
class instruction, to rap it all it provides a sample lesson plan formation and its
antecedents auxiliary issues, another major illustration in this chapter is the blooms
taxonomy blue print for lesson planning which is made up of six levels ie. Verbs:
appraise, argue, assess, attach, choose compare, defend estimate, judge, predict,
rate, core, select, support, value, evaluate. Reference: Major categories in the
cognitive domain of the taxonomy of educational objectives

Chapter Three

This chapter identifies the major teaching strategies which include Techniques,
Approaches, procedures etc. the chapter also identify some lesson content such as
knowledge, skills, attitudes etc. as part of the content procedure, some criteria’s are
identified i.e, content to be taught, objectives to be achieved, etc for selecting a
particular teaching strategy, the chapter goes on to state common characteristics of
traditional methods of teaching i.e. lecture methods, demonstration methods etc. it
goes on to identify the various activities, methods and application of activities in
the class room, stating the factors that may influence students involvement in the
activities.

Chapter Four

This chapter is mainly concerned with the nature of the teaching learning process,
it explains what is involved in teaching explaining the activities that are involved
viz; imparting knowledge, inspiring forming relationship and motivating. The
Authors further explains how teaching is different from indoctrination (i.e.
influencing a group of people) but teaching gives you the ability to think and ask
questions, the am I to teach? How am I going to teach? How well have I taught?
are involved. This chapter further explains the nature of teaching learning process
which is mainly a process of communication, and the involvement of teacher-
student deliberate activities. The chapter further explains the general principles of
communication in and outside the classroom for teachers and administrators. The
strategies to establish climate conclusive to open communication and that of
students in the communication process and discussed in this chapter, the result of
the disagreement between teachers and students is also discussed.

Chapter Five

This chapter is mainly concerned about the classroom communication the heart of
the matter here is the process involved in communication i.e. how message is
passed through what (medium) how message is understood (decoding) the reaction
when the message is received (feedback) etc. the explanation of communication is
given distinguishing from interpersonal and intrapersonal communication, the
chapter further explains the factors influencing classroom communication stating
the objectives of communication, how message is understood by different people at
different intervals.

Chapter Six

This chapter explains why communication is a veritable for effective teaching and
learning. This chapter is similar to the previous chapter discussed here too; the
meaning of communication is been explained conceptually from different scholars
including our own Prof. (Ada, 2016) who also developed a communication
process tagged teaching learning process with the components being, sender of the
message (Teacher) as A; the Medium B; the Class interprets the message as C; the
reaction of the receiver as D; while the Feedback is E; in this chapter the major
work is mainly the components of communication that are being discussed. This
chapter also affirms that communication cannot take place until there is an
understanding between two people or a group of persons. Kinds of learning are
also discussed in this chapter to include Psychomotor learning (skills and
manipulation of equipment as a result of behavior) affective learning and cognitive
learning. It also identifies the factors as well, the chapter goes on to explain
communication strategies viz; verbal and non-verbal communication, visual
communication Shakhoer (1973) identifies other communication strategies open
meetings, one on one, feedback mechanism, election etc. instructional methods are
discussed in this chapter, lecture method, demonstration, project etc.

Chapter Seven

Technology, the teacher and the classroom, the introductory part of this chapter
talk about the advantages of technology in some sort of way most especially as it
concerns todays’ classroom, where teaching has become digitalized i.e. the use of
modern equipment for effective teaching and learning. It describes the application
of Technology in everyday life, in every sector of the economy citing examples
such as in the political, landscape, where elections have moved from manual
verification to electronic verification. In the classroom for instance Technology has
graduated from the use of chalk board to electronic boards, audio devices,
Teleconference lectures, wireless devices etc. according to the Authors the
classroom today has reached its technological climax as communication
infrastructure like cell phones, fax machines, email platforms, computer
networking and to say the least advance document processors are being used in
today’s class room. The use of the internet in the classroom is not left out as its
importance has been discussed as certain points have been outlined as to why the
internet is important in the class room has been discussed. From this point of view
it is believed that, the internet majorly assist students in their own learning, the
chapter goes on to explain how, what can be done to navigate the internet. It goes
on to outline the internet navigation skills. This chapter also explains the ways the
internet can be used to deliver instruction in the class room i.e. through electronic
mail, world wide web etc. the benefits of the use of internet as an instructional
tools are discussed, the hindrances are not left out of the discussion. The concept
networking is another area the authors of this book have touched, explaining
vividly the all we need to know about networking discussing the importance of
networking in the classroom the authors pointed out research, communication and
collaborating, web publishing etc. Teaching equipment such as digital cameras,
video cameras and projectors are listed as technological tools also discussed. This
chapter is conclude with a survey of opinion on teachers on the use of the internet
where; the authors captures interviews from teachers of different subjects in the
interview all the teachers express their satisfaction on the use of the internet except
one where expressed no significance difference between the internet and the
classroom.

Chapter Eight

This chapter is mainly concerned with the role of the teacher in the classroom
procedure it explains who the teacher is, describing a teacher as anybody that can
handle a chalk and talk to the learners; in the Nigerian context the nomenclature of
the teacher may change as expressed by the authors as a result of the operational
conditions of the teacher. The role of the teacher which include mentorship,
students contact, curriculum planner, course organizer, resource material creator
etc. the determinants of the teachers role are also discussed which have been
studied by Obanya (2015) who affirmed the roles are dictated by teaching
traditions, teachers background, teachers needs etc. the factors stimulating the role
of the teachers in Nigeria are also discussed to include electricity, pipe born water
etc. in addition political socio-cultural and religious factors. The authors also talks
about the concern of Teachers education and effectiveness which are mainly what
qualifies or disqualifies a teacher in the Nigerian context. The statutory
responsibility for producing teachers in Nigeria are also not left out, which are
mainly teacher qualification and training.

Chapter Nine in Review

This chapter takes a look at the teacher as the manager of the classroom, as a result
of which they are supposed to possess the necessary skills of both managers and
leaders, this skills could range from a managerial skills such as planning,
controlling, organizing, directing etc. and leadership skills such as listening, self-
confidence, honesty, patience etc.

Class room organization and management requires adequate attention, as this may
mar or make a successful outing in the classroom, the authors went further to state
that, an improperly organized and poorly managed class can form a multiplicity of
problems for the teacher and the entire class. The concept of classroom
organization and management is also discussed which are critical processes the
teacher requires to run the classroom successfully. In organizing the classroom the
teacher must make the classroom appear educative as possible by making it
attractive, there must be availability of space, the teachers corner must not be left
out, facilities and other basic necessities will not be left out, storage facilities are
also important to store Instructional materials. In managing the class the authors
stated that a number of activities and actions must be put in place. This activities
include; interaction activities between the teacher and student. Resources and
teachers action towards creating a favourable environment action to regulate social
behavior, prompt record keeping abilities etc. the teacher as a manager, requires
extra ordinary skills to run the affairs of the school and manage the students
effectively this include managing the learning resources, in the course of running
the school affairs there are some factors that may influence meaningful
involvement of students these include; giving instructions on what you wish to be
done, outline procedural steps to be followed by the students etc. apart from these
the teacher must possess some characteristics of effective teaching for instance if
he/she is competent according to the authors. He/she should have sound knowledge
about his discipline and other related disciplines, his/her knowledge should imbibe
some sort of adoptability. He/she must be available and interested in his/her job
ability to maintain discipline is also highly required.

Chapter Ten

In this chapter, internet resources for teaching and challenges to instructional

Technology in Nigeria are the major discussion. Her internet resources are
critically discussed, the explanation of which is given as a diverse set of
technological tools and resources use to communicate create, disseminate, store
and manage information. The introduction of the ICT in different levels of
education has changed completely the educational environment in Nigeria. ICT has
been studied and its impact has been evaluated thereby understanding its merits
and demerits to open source educational and instructional tools for students of
various levels of education, the major demerit of the ICT is the creation of lack of
concentration of some students on their studies as a result of spending most hours
on social networks. The advances in information and communication technology
has guaranteed the quality of education in most developing countries including
Nigeria, on increasing students according to Watson (2001), several studies reveal
that, students using ICT facilities mostly show higher learning gains than those
who do not use. The authors also outlined some factors impeding successful
deployment of ICT for educational activities. A research by Ada et al (2014)
identified some factors impeding successful use of ICT for educational purposes in
Nigeria these are; inadequate Bandwith, lack of access to Technological tools etc.
some of the educational solutions on internet are also listed i.e. Microsoft edge,
Elsevier Education etc. in conclusion the authors affirmed the enormous
contributions of ICT to the classroom since hence the facilitation of teaching
learning for both teachers and students is duly guaranteed. The challenges are not
hence any their positive benefits negative benefits too will be witness hence
student have turned to misuse available internet facilities through pornography,
Facebook, Whatapp etc.

Chapter Eleven

The chapter is mainly concerned with online data base for teachers and
researchers; here too in my view I think this chapter is related to the previous
chapter, online database are still part of the ICT, a database hauls information for
users for example apart from the examples given by the authors in this book, a
typical example of a database is the Bsu Portal a payments made by students are
stored in the portal database, the total number of registered students in a particular
year/session is stored on the school data base. Hence managing this information
can easily be retrieved and modified, as to every Technology it has always come
with its challenges here the authors listed some challenges to include lack of
adequate electricity, phobia by order instructors, data mutilators as a result of
unskilled personnel.

Chapter Twelve
The chapter is mainly concerned with the application of instructional Technology
in the classroom according to the authors of this book, instructional technology can
not just be applied in the classroom except through a medium, which is also means
through which messages are produced, stored and transmitted i.e. there will be no
transmission of message without a medium of transfer. Instructional materials in
this case are transferred through various media i.e. media resources, visual aids etc.
for effective teaching and learning from the authors instructional materials can be
modified into those by utilization and those by design and hardware and software
by utilization means gadget such as radios, telephones etc. by hardware and
software meaning the physical components which the objects are made of while
software simply means the programs installed in the systems for their various
functions, by categories they stated that instructional materials can be print and
non- print, the print include textbooks, magazines etc., the non-print include;
audio, visuals and visual audios. Traditional commonly used instructional
resources in the classroom include the chalkboard, flat pictures etc. their
characteristics are discussed. The authors of this book did not leave out 3-D (three
dimensional teaching materials) including their types, characteristics of model that
makes them effective for teaching purpose, one of which is that, they can be
created in the class.

Chapter Thirteen

This chapter is mainly concerned with new technologies in teaching and learning.
Evolutionary trends have change all sectors of the economy including Education,
the authors here looks at the emerging trends on how best this emerging
technologies have been able to change the education sector in our country Nigeria,
in our country at some levels of education classrooms have been equipped with
latest instructional equipment ranging from e-learning equipment i.e. softwares,
hardware i.e. computer devices, internet facilities etc. all for the enhancement of
positive learning for both teachers and students. E-learning technologies and
platforms like audio and videos are used in most institutions of learning. Computer
devices, tablets and mobile devices are not left out as expressed by the authors of
this books, learning through webcams, lectures through smart boards are all as a
result of modern technology trends. The benefits of these technologies are
enormous as seen in this chapter, The challenges of e-learning in Nigeria has been
majorly lack of facilities, and the deployment of these technologies.

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter fourteen is titled improvisation which by the authors of this book is simply
a technique in teaching, the ability to provide a substitute when the real thing that
should have been is not in place, it is also an act of using alternative materials and
resources to facilitate instruction in the classroom. Here are some types of
improvisation as listed by the authors; improvisation by substitution, by
construction as their names implies the latter is more comprehensive hence the
teacher has to use a step by step procedure to achieve this. The roles of
improvisation are also discussed one of which is to make students to participate in
creative and analytical thinking when they are involved in making those needed
instruments. The skills needed for improvisation is majorly Technical
skills/knowledge this to me can be the ability of someone to use his/her initiative in
improvising. Technical skills includes; observation, measurement, designing etc.
some advantages of improvisation are also stated to include; proper use of the
environment to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical
knowledge. Some disadvantages are much time consumption for the teachers and
learners, school management might neglect budgeting for better instructional
materials which very correct as stated by the authors. The implication of
improvisation to teachers is also stated one of which, teachers provide for the
materials they need in hand to avoid improvisation except otherwise. Limiting
factors in improvisation is majorly the cost factor.

Chapter Fifteen

This chapter is mainly concerned with Educational Technology Center or ERC

Educational Resource Centre this is an area designated mainly for the up keep of
instructional materials needed for teaching and learning. Its functions are broad
some of which include; Acquisition of instructional resources for the school,
provision of basic assistance to staff and students etc. organization and
management of these resources as highly recommended as a poorly managed
Educational Technology Centre might lead to damage or under-utilization of the
resources. Considerations before acquiring instructional materials include
relevance, purpose, appropriateness etc.

The minimum standards/requirement for provision of Educational Technology

Centre in colleges of education in Nigeria is stated by the authors Hardwares
(videos play recorder) software, furniture, manpower etc.

Chapter Sixteen

This chapter is mainly concerned with the role of the library in effective teaching,
learning and research. The concept and types of libraries are discussed in this
chapter, the library is considered the engine room in an institution, according to
Aguolu & Aguolu (2002), a library is a collection of records of human culture in
diverse formats and languages, preserved, organized and interpreted to meet he
broad and varying needs of individuals for information, knowledge, recreation and
artistic enjoyment. Types and functions of libraries are also discussed in this
chapter the most common libraries with our locality is the school library and the
public library, the National library is owned by the National Government,
functions of the library include, selection acquisition organizing, preserving and
conserving as well as provide access to the access to the acquired information
materials. The advent of technology has created a room for the establishment of a
virtual library, which is mainly a combination of computer network. Virtual library
has a very good advantage which is easy to access services are; records
management, documentation, translation services etc.

The school library is made up of materials that can always help students complete
their home works and also assist in online searching cataloque for research
materials. Just like every other section the library too has its problems which have
always made the running of the school library some of the issues include; lack of
funds, lack of accommodation, storage facilities etc. in conclusion the authors
made it clear that the library is indispensable in Education and therefore
government at all level needs to improve on all lagging resources in the school
library.

Chapter Seventeen

This chapter talks about digital and virtual libraries and the much needed tools for
modern institutions, the authors have strongly canvassed for the establishment of
these libraries in modern institution due to high increase of researches in the
institutions.

Question 1b
Identify the chapters in the book that you are least familiar with, advancing reasons
for this.

Ans

After a comprehensive review of this book, I am least familiar with chapters 10

and 11 (Ten and Eleven). The major reason is that both chapters discussed
vigrously on ICT, I have never been familiar with practical ICT.

Another chapter I am Unfamiliar with is chapters sixteen and seventeen which

talks about library, for instance in an Educational Setup like Benue state university
a lot of facilities are lagging behind including library materials to even setup a
complete virtual library, in a nut shell I have never come across a virtual library.

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