TEACHERS’ PERCEPTION ON THE USE OF SIMULATED WORK ENVIRONMENT FOR TRAINING OF AUTOMOBILE CRAFTSMEN IN THE TECHNICAL COLLEGES

Abstract

The study was designed to assess teachers’ perception on the use of simulated work environment for training of automobile craftsmen in the Technical Colleges. One-shot case study research design was employed because it allowed a single group to be treated after which changes could be measured. Automobile Diagnostic Simulation, a simulation developed for teaching petrol engine maintenance was used as a simulated work environment (SWE). Two specific purposes and research questions as well as two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The population for the study is made up of a total of 49 respondents who are Motor Vehicle Mechanics Work (MVMW) teachers from the six technical colleges in Lagos state and two technical colleges in Abuja (FCT). No sampling was carried out because the population size is manageable.  A structured Questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire sought to elicit information on the perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of simulated work environment in training of automobile craftsmen in the Technical Colleges. The finding of the study showed that teachers perceive the automobile diagnostic simulation used as SWE as useful and easy to use. However, panning of image, diagnosis logic and repairs logic were rated as difficult to use. The study also found out that there is no significant difference in the perception of male and female teachers on the usefulness of SWE but the male perceived SWE to be easier to use than the female teachers. The study recommended that beyond provision of computers and internet facilities in the Technical Colleges, government and other non-governmental organisations should invest in development and provision of simulations relevant for training of craftsmen in the Technical Colleges. Deliberate opportunities should also be created to expose female teachers to trainings that would hone their skills in usage of simulation technologies.