Literacy Level And Access Rate Of The New Media Technology Among Lecturers Of The Federal Polytechnic Mubi: A Re-Appraisal Of Knowledge Theory.

Abstract

Knowledge gap is occasioned by the literacy level of polytechnic lecturers on the use of new media while digital divide is brought about by the lack of fund and access to state-of-the-art internet and satellite network necessary for the use of the new media for teaching, and learning. People all over the world, must be constantly updated on the latest innovations in the global media technologies and they must attune themselves to the acquisition and use of these technologies so that they become more relevant in the ever-changing world of communication. This study examined the literacy level and access rate of lecturers of the federal polytechnic Mubi lecturers to new media technologies. The study assessed how well lecturers of the Federal Polytechnic Mubi knew about and the actual usage of the new media technologies in learning and research. A survey of lecturers in federal polytechnic Mubi was done. The sample random technique was applied to get the sample size of this study. The study founded out that 45% of lecturers of Federal Polytechnic Mubi lectures have access to the technologies and learning. The remaining 55% know about the new media technology but didn’t apply them in teaching and learning. Computer and mobile phones were the most used of the new technologies, while others such as video conferencing etc. were used by the lecturers. Also, inadequate knowledge, lack of periodic orientation on the latest innovations, and high cost of this technology constitute the constraints to the acquisition of the new media by the lecturers. The study recommended that polytechnics should train and retain their lecturers, on the use and application of the new media in teaching and learning. Again, Polytechnics should make the technologies very affordable by partnering with the government to subsidize the cost of these technologies. They should provide access to these technologies.