Effect of Technology-Enhanced Competitive Learning Environment (TECLE) on Students' Academic Achievements and Interest in Junior Secondary Schools

The study examined the effect of technology-enhanced competitive learning environment (TECLE) on the academic achievement and level of interest of students in junior secondary schools in Delta State. The study utilised a quasi-experimental design. This design commonly utilised two cohorts: one cohort received the intervention (TECLE), while the second cohort served as a control without access to the intervention. The study focused on a specific group of individuals, namely 174,570 public junior secondary two (JSII) students studying Information Technology in Delta State. The study's sample consisted of 382 students in six intact classes. Data gathering involved the utilisation of two instruments: Information Technology Achievement Test (ITAT) and Information Technology Interest Scale (ITIS). The instruments underwent face validation by three specialists. The reliability of ITAT was determined through the utilisation of the Kuder-Richardson 21 method, resulting in a reliability coefficient of 0.73. The reliability of ITIS was determined by the use of Cronbach alpha, resulting in a reliability coefficient of 0.79. The ITAT and ITIS were administered as a pretest and posttest, respectively, both before and after the intervention. The pretest and posttest scores were collected and analysed using ANCOVA. The results indicated a significant difference in the mean achievement and interest scores of students who were exposed to a technology-enhanced competitive learning environment compared to those who were exposed to a traditional learning environment. The technology-enhanced learning environment was shown to be more favourable in terms of achievement. The study's findings indicated that the integration of technology-enhanced competitive learning environments has a beneficial effect on students' achievement and stimulates their interest for Information Technology. The study recommended, among other things, the implementation of technology-enhanced competitive learning environment for Information Technology instruction.