Incorporating Digital Learning Technologies into Animal Husbandry Education in Delta State, Nigeria: A Comprehensive Study
Aghogho Perculiar OLADAYO *
Department of Vocational and Technical Education, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria.
Oghenebrorien DIMONI
Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Digital learning tools are integrated into animal husbandry education, which can promote students’ understanding of the complex processes and the acquisition of practical skills needed for precision action in animal husbandry. This study examines the degree of digital learning tools’ take-up, challenges, and impact on animal husbandry education in Nigeria. The descriptive survey research design was used in data collection from 100 students and educators with the use of questionnaires and interviews. Results indicated that despite the use of digital learning tools, such as online resources, mobile applications, and digital assessments, their adoption is still impermanent because of the difficulties in their adoption, including access to digital devices, poor internet connectivity, no digital literacy, financial limits, and institutional resistance to change. Besides this, power outages and weak policy frameworks caused integration efforts to fail further. Comparison between students and educators was significant in terms of their perceptions of digital tool effectiveness. Based on the study, we suggest subsidizing digital learning tools, offering structured training programs, improving internet access, adapting locally relevant content, and using blended learning models. These interventions could cement the gap between conventional training approaches and technology-enriched learning to fill the gap in the animal husbandry education system with extra effectiveness and accessibility within Delta State.
Keywords: Digital learning tools, animal husbandry education, educational technology, e-learning