Impact of Integration of Emerging Technologies into Technical Education Curricula and their Influence on Students’ Learning Outcomes in South West University of Education in Nigeria.

Abstract

The integration of emerging technologies is transforming technical education by redefining how students acquire knowledge and practical skills. In today’s innovation-driven world, tools such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and gamified learning platforms offer creative approaches to improve teaching, learning, and employability. The purpose of this study was to assess the extent of integration of emerging technologies into the technical education curriculum at the South West University of Education in Nigeria and to examine their influence on students’ learning outcomes in terms of academic performance and skill acquisition. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and a validated 30-item questionnaire was administered to 116 participants (85 students and 31 lecturers) across Lagos, Ogun, and Ekiti States. The instrument yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.80, confirming strong internal consistency. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that, although integration remains limited, the use of emerging technologies has a positive influence on students’ academic performance, practical competence, and motivation. The study concludes that integrating digital tools into technical education enhances learning effectiveness and skill readiness. It recommends curriculum reform, continuous teacher training, and stronger industry partnerships to maximize the benefits of technological innovation.