Effect of Free Open Source Software Based Learning Package on Academic Achievement of Junior School Students in Basic Technology in Nigeria

Abstract

This study reported the use of a Free Open Source Software (FOSS) based learning package in teaching basic technology among Junior Secondary Schools students in Nigeria. This study adopted a quasi-experimental design, Specifically, the pretest, post-test, non-equivalent control group design. 118 students of basic technology II (JSS2) were selected through multi stage sampling from four junior secondary schools in the country. Two of the schools with 60 students were used as control group while the remaining two schools with 58 students were used as experimental group. A validated Energy-Based Technological Appliances Achievement Test (ETAAT) was used for data collection. A reliability coefficient of 0.82 was obtained using test-retest reliability technique and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Three research questions guided the study and three hypotheses were tested; Data collected were analysed using mean for the research questions and Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) for the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The research findings revealed that the experimental group taught basic technology with a FOSS based learning package had a higher academic achievement than those taught with the traditional lecture method. Also, with calculated F-value of 526.627 and probability value (significance of F) of .000, a statistically significant difference was revealed between the two modes of instructions. No significant difference was found between male and female students achievement on the effect of FOSS learning package in enhancing achievement in basic technology with calculated F-value of 4.659 and significance of F at .330. Based on the findings, it was recommended amongst other things that the use of Free Open Source Software based learning package should be adopted by teachers and school administrators to facilitate meaningful learning in basic technology. Also, computer assisted materials or packages be developed for topics that may need some extra support to teach.