The Effect of Computer Software Interaction on Students Cognitive Abilities Enhancement: The Case of Engineering Educators’ Perspective

Authors

  • Charles A. N. Johnson Niger Delta University, PMB 071, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Centre for Engineering Education, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
  • Mohd Fadzil Bin Daud School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
  • Mahyuddin Bin Arsat School of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
  • Wan Nazdah Bt. Wan Hussin School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
  • Ernest Ituma Egba Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v16i18.24379

Keywords:

Computational thinking, cognitive skills acquisition, Computer Software Interaction, Phenomenographic Research

Abstract


In this digital age, the deployment of modern technology in the workplace to mitigate global challenges has become paramount. Therefore, the academic program, as accredited by the regulatory and accreditation bodies, is to ensure the production of quality industry-ready engineering graduates. These products are expected to be technology savvy and proficiently skilled in using computer software (CS) for productivity towards engineering activities. Unfortunately, there exists a gap in the quality of the graduates produced by tertiary engineering institutions in the developing world. This gap can be associated with the lack of computational thinking (CT) skills to meet the industry needs in this age of IR 4.0. Therefore, the paper reports the engineering educators’ perceived contributions and gains achieved while employing computer software in the course of instruction towards the cognitive ability enhancement of the engineering students. It provides an in-depth exploratory inquiry into the deployment of CT and its impacts in engineering education while focusing on its integration at what level in the course of study. The research follows a phenomenographic research approach explored the experiences of engineering educators from different engineering disciplines in the higher education institutions, namely chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, to gain valuable insights. Data collected through a semi-structured, in-depth interview was coded using NVivo 12 CAQDAS and analysed for relevant themes. The findings indicate a significant potential benefit of enhanced cognitive abilities leading to the development of special knowledge, generic intellectual abilities, and personal attributes. In addition, the integration of CS should be the focus of instruction at the most appropriate level of study to allow for considerable exposure to CS to achieve the desired learning outcome. These findings have direct implications on the engineering educators and students, engineering faculties, and other stakeholders.

Author Biographies

Charles A. N. Johnson, Niger Delta University, PMB 071, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Centre for Engineering Education, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

Department of Marine Engineering Lecturer

Mohd Fadzil Bin Daud, School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Applied Mechanics and Design Senior Lecturer

Mahyuddin Bin Arsat, School of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

Department of Technical Education and Engineering Senior Lecturer

Wan Nazdah Bt. Wan Hussin, School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Materials, Manufacturing and Industrial Programme Senior Lecturer

Ernest Ituma Egba, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Department of Technology and Vocational Education Senior Lecturer

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Published

2021-09-20

How to Cite

Johnson, C. A. N., Bin Daud, M. F., Bin Arsat, M., Bt. Wan Hussin, W. N., & Egba, E. I. (2021). The Effect of Computer Software Interaction on Students Cognitive Abilities Enhancement: The Case of Engineering Educators’ Perspective. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 16(18), pp. 228–241. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v16i18.24379

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Papers