TECHNOLOGICAL TOOLS UTILISATION ON BUSINESS EDUCATION STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

As digital literacy becomes central to educational and professional success, integrating tools such as Microsoft Office, internet facilities, and interactive whiteboards is vital for effective teaching and learning. However, despite their availability, inadequate utilisation affects learning outcomes, raising concerns about students’ readiness for the modern workplace. This paper examined the influence of technological utilisation on the academic performance of students in business education in public colleges of education in Kwara State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed; the targeted population comprised 454 lecturers (32) and students (422) in public colleges of education. The sample used was 200 participants (17 lecturers and 183 students). Four research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. Data were collected using a self-developed questionnaire, “Technological Tools Utilisation on Business Education Students” (TTUBESQ), structured on a four-point Likert scale. The instrument was validated by experts and yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.731. Data analysis involved mean scores for research questions and multiple regression for hypothesis testing (due to the three independent sub-variables) at the 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that combined (Microsoft Office, Internet facility and Interactive whiteboard) use yields the highest predictive accuracy of 91.4%, demonstrating that integrated technological engagement substantially enhances academic performance. Conversely, single adoption for Microsoft Office and the internet was 47.6% and 39.1%, respectively, while that of the interactive whiteboard was very low at 6.8%, remaining underutilised and requiring better pedagogical integration. The study recommends the combined use of Microsoft Office, internet facilities, and an interactive whiteboard for effective instructional delivery and productivity—providing updated facilities, professional development, and improved implementation to achieve educational goals.