BRIDGING RESEARCH AND PRACTICE THROUGH ICT-BASED INNOVATIONS: IMPLICATIONS FOR CHEMISTRY EDUCATION STUDENTS' LEARNING OUTCOMES IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES.

Abstract

This study discussed the learning outcomes of chemistry students in bridging 
research and practice through the potential of ICT based innovations. The learning 
outcomes in question are students' motivation and academic performance of 
chemistry students in Nigerian universities. Basically, the growing complexities of 
university governance and the challenges posed to university management makes 
the application of information, communication and technologies indispensible for 
quality teaching, research, practice and goal attainment. The crucial role that 
information, communication and technologies play in effective learning, research 
and practice in universities is the focus of this paper. The paper analyzed the 
variables; meaning of information and communication technology, teaching and 
research, research and practice, learning of science, chemistry education, 
integration of information, communication and technologies-based innovation in 
students' research and practice, implications on students' motivation and 
performance, ICTs facilities necessary in chemistry, challenges of application of 
information, communication and technologies in research in universities. On the 
bases of the foregoing analysts, university lecturers and students were challenged to 
bridge research and practice by embracing ICTs based innovations, develop 
generalizable knowledge and apply the knowledge, skills, and techniques into 
professional or creative contexts; and in all areas of chemistry education to improve 
quality of teaching and learning, also, for promotion of students' motivation and 
academic performance in chemistry in Nigeria universities. The need for this 
decision in enhancing professional development is both urgent and demanding. It 
was then recommended that adequate ICT equipment for research and practice 
should be provided by the ministry of education and school management.