Enhancing Teaching Communication Skills through Technology: A Study of [Federal Polytechnic Ugep, Cross River State University of Technology and the University of Calabar] Lecturers

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of technology on teaching communication skills among lecturers of Federal Polytechnic Ugep and the University of Calabar. The research aims to train some lecturers on how to use technology in teaching, identify effective technologies, benefits and challenges associated with technology-enhanced teaching communication. The study engaged 100 purposively selected faculty members and 300 stratified randomly selected students from diverse academic departments. Data collection involved pre- and post-intervention surveys, usage analytics, interviews, focus groups, and classroom observations. The intervention focused on commonly adopted technological tools including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Docs, Padlet, Prezi, and PowerPoint, evaluated for their effectiveness in supporting both verbal and written classroom communication. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired sample t-tests, revealing a statistically significant improvement in communication skills following the seminar intervention (t(14) = 12.41, p < .001). Qualitative analysis through thematic and content coding corroborated these findings, identifying improved clarity, engagement, and feedback loops as major benefits while, challenges such as insufficient training, inconsistent usage, and technical constraints were noted. The research concludes that technology significantly enhances communication in teaching contexts when implemented with adequate institutional support, user training, and consideration for usability. It recommends regular workshops, modular peer-learning programs, and user-focused technology strategies to ensure inclusive and sustainable adoption across diverse learning environments.