INTEGRATING ICT INTO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA: BRIDGING RESEARCH AND PRACTICE

Abstract

Globally, information and communication technology (ICT) has emerged as a 
crucial instrument for revolutionizing research, teaching, and learning in higher 
education. ICT tools like learning management systems, digital databases, 
simulation software, and virtual laboratories have improved instructional delivery 
and students' conceptual grasp of complex scientific phenomena in science and 
technology education. However, because of institutional, pedagogical, and 
infrastructure issues, ICT integration in Nigerian postsecondary institutions is still 
uneven. With a focus on bridging the gap between research findings and classroom 
practice, this paper investigates the integration of ICT into science and technology 
education in tertiary institutions in Benue State, Nigeria, with a focus on closing the 
gap between research results and instructional strategies. The article addresses how 
ICT is changing science and technology education, emphasizes the advantages and 
difficulties of adopting ICT, and examines pertinent research on technology 
integration in Nigerian higher education. The paper also suggests methods for 
incorporating research findings into instructional practice and identifies best 
practices for ICT implementation. The study comes to the conclusion that better 
infrastructure, ongoing professional development for instructors, supportive 
institutional policies, and increased cooperation among education sector 
stakeholders are necessary for sustainable ICT integration.