Pattern of Acquisition of ICT-based Skills by Student-Teachers: Implications for Teacher Education in Nigeria in this Era of Digitalization

The study examined the pattern of acquisition of ICT-based skills by student-teachers and its implications for teacher- education in Nigeria in this era of digitalization. The study was a survey research type with two research questions guiding it. The population for the study was 1,570, made up of 3rd and 4th year Faculty of Education students of 2010/2011 academic session of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki-Nigeria. A sample of 300 students was drawn using proportionate random sampling technique. A 9- item questionnaire was used for data collection that was duly validated, and it yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.72 using Cronbach Alpha Method. Two-hundred and thirty three (233) copies of the questionnaire were properly filled and returned and the data collected was analyzed using frequency count and percentages. The findings of the study revealed that many students have acquired basic ICT skills like: data processing using computer; to type and edits works; improvement on ICT literate level and peer tutoring others among others, and that student-teachers’ acquisition of ICT skills is directly related to their course of study. The implications of the findings for teacher education were drawn and recommendations made in line with these findings. Keywords: ICT, student-teachers, acquisition, teacher-education, digitalizatio