USE OF MULTIMEDIA IN TEACHING AND LEARNING OF POLITICAL SCIENCE IN UNIVERSITY OF UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

This paper examines the use of multimedia in teaching and learning of political science in University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A survey research was adopted and the tool employed for this research study was a questionnaire titled “Use of Multimedia in Teaching and Learning of Political Science in University of Uyo” (UMTLPSUU). Percentage and independent T-Test were used to analyze the data collected. The data from the study revealed Cds, projector, computer and sound system are available Instructional Multimedia in their respective faculties with 62(66.2%), 76(81.7%) and 69(74.2%) of the respondents affirming it respectively. The study further revealed that, the majority of the respondents do not know the exact number of computer sets available in the department. It was also revealed that between one to five sound systems were available in their department. And the use of computers for teaching in the department is “not very often”, same with projectors as indicated by the majority of the respondents. Also, it was revealed that computer sets, sound systems, and use of simulation and projectors were not adequate in the department. This implies that the small number of instructional multimedia in the department has little or no effect on students' participation in class activities and their academic performances. Finally, the study revealed that the factors that limit the use of multimedia by lecturers in political science include none supportive, inadequate knowledge of the use of multimedia in teaching and learning of political science and the lack of understanding on the benefits of multimedia facilities limit the use of multimedia in teaching and learning of political science. The study recommended that the Nigerian (Federal) government should see multimedia integration effort at the university as an embracing project to development in education and should support by allocating and releasing adequate funds to invest in massive Internet connectivity, as well as purchase and installation of ICT infrastructures. Also, the university must aim to ensure accessibility, availability and reliability of ICT facilities so that every lecture room and staff offices have computers linked to Internet and have equipment appropriate for accessing a range of electronic resources. The Federal Government can also help by subsiding or reducing the tariffs on import of ICT facilities so that lecturers and others can afford to purchase these ICT facilities and accessories since the price would be lower. It is also being recommended that the University lecturers be exposed to a series of training and development skills in the use of these high technology facilities. Finally, adequate, competent and experienced ICT technical staff must be made available should problems arise.