Abstract
Digitaltechnologies of various forms are increasingly integrated into instructional delivery. These
digital materials such as Learning Objects (LOs) are widely used by instructors without empirical basis
on their effects on learning. Thus, this study sought to assess the instructional effects of LOs on
students‟ low, middle and high cognitive competencies in natural science and metalwork technology
courses. The study was guided by one research question and a hypothesis. It adopted the
quasiexperimental design of non-randomized intact groups of all year one students that offer the
course from Industrial Technical Education and Food Science & Technology, at the University of
Nigeria, Nsukka. The population for the study was 61. This consists of 26 natural science students
and 35 metalwork technology students. Validated instruments referred to as Natural Science II
Achievement Test (NASAT) and Metal Work I Achievement Test (MWAT) were used for data
collection. The treatment for the experimental group consisted of teaching metal work contents using
LOs accessed from the laptop computer (tablet PC) for 12 weeks while the control group was used
the typical conventional method of teaching and learning as well as LOs. The pre and post - tests
data were analysed using mean to answer the research questions, while one-way analysis of
covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the null hypothesis at .05 statistical level of significance. The
study revealed that the LOs accessed from the laptop was effective in improving the students‟ low,
middle and high cognitive competencies in natural science and metalwork technology. However, there
was no statistically significant difference between the mean achievement scores of the control and
experimental groups on their performances in lower, middle and high levels cognitive competencies in
science and metalwork technology courses as a result of using LOs accessed from the laptop. This
implies that LOs, when used in both conventional and mobile-based learning environments, were
effective in enhancing students‟ cognitive achievement in natural science and metalwork technology.
As a result, the study recommended that curriculum planners should develop an appropriate
curriculum that incorporates LOs and computers for teaching and learning of science and technical
education courses. Thus the study concludes that the integration of mobile technology accessible LOs
would enhance the attainment of higher order cognitive instructional objectives.
Keywords: Mobile Technology; Learning Objects, Students‟ Cognitive Achievement in Natural
Science and Metal Work Technology; Quality Instruction.
Publication Date: 2018-06-09