STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF THE USEFULNESS OF PODCAST-BASED FLIPPED INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL IN ENHANCING MICROSOFT WORD APPLICATION SKILLS IN BUSINESS EDUCATION

Abstract

This paper analysed students’ perception of the usefulness of the podcast-based flipped instructional model in enhancing Microsoft word application skills in Business Education. The survey research design was used. The population of the study consistedof 84 postgraduate students of Business Education, Faculty of Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki. The study was a census survey. Two research questions and two corresponding hypotheses guided the study. The questionnaire was used to collect data. Cronbach Alpha reliability procedure was used. The instrument yielded a coefficient of 0.86. Eighty-four (84) instruments were administered and collected. Data collected was analyzed using mean and standard deviation for research questions while hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using t-test. The findings of the study showed positive perception highlighting its usefulness in working with text and working with object Microsoft word application skills. The test of the hypotheses proved that there is no significant difference in the perception of students on the usefulness of the podcast-based flipped instructional model in enhancing working with text and working with object Microsoft word application skills based on gender. In conclusion, flipped instructional model stands as a methodological alternative to improve skill acquisition in Microsoft word application skills in Business Education.The recommendation among others wasthat training Institutions should collaborate with the employers of labour on developing content and instructional strategies for improving working with text and working with object Microsoft word application skills in business education.

Keywords: Podcast-BasedFlipped Instructional Model, Working with Text, Working with Object, Usefulness,  Perception, Business Education