DIGITAL SKILLS REQUIRED BY UNIVERSITY BUSINESS EDUCATORS FOR EFFECTIVE TEACHING IN DIGITAL AGE IN SOUTHEAST, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study focused on digital skills required by Business Educators for effective teaching in Universities in South-East Nigeria in the digital age. The study was undertaken because of the digital skills gap among Business Educators in most Nigeria universities and in South-East universities in particular. Two research questions and hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population for the study was 73 Business Educators in Federal and State Universities in the South East States of Nigeria. The population was manageable, hence no sampling. Structured questionnaire containing a total of 14 items was the instrument for data collection. The instrument was validated by three experts. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using mean and standard deviation while the null hypotheses were tested using t- test statistics. It was found that Business Educators in Universities in South East need basic computer and digital communication skills for effective teaching. In digital age. However, the study recommended the need government and university managements should increase funding for provision of workshops, seminars and conferences on digital skills required for effective online teaching and learning in South-East universities. Also, there should be continuous and periodic training of both business educators and students on basic computer and digital communication skills.

Key words: Digital age, Digital skills, Effective teaching and University Business Educators