Speaker
Description
Udofia, W. U.
Federal College of Education, Ididep, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
georgekennedyresearchers@gmail.com
Track: AI, Emerging Technologies and Future Learning
The study examined artificial intelligence competencies and digital learning ecosystems as determinants of workforce readiness for electric vehicle technology among students in universities in South-South geopolitical zone, Nigeria. To achieve the objectives, four research questions and four hypotheses guided the study. Correlational research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised undergraduate students in Automobile Technology, Mechanical Technology and Industrial Technology Education in selected universities across the study area. Multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents from the participating universities. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled: Artificial Intelligence Competencies, Digital Learning Ecosystems and Workforce Readiness Questionnaire (AICDLWRQ). The instrument was face-validated by experts in Industrial Technology Education, Measurement and Evaluation, while reliability was established using Cronbach Alpha reliability method. Research questions were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings are expected to reveal the level of artificial intelligence competencies possessed by students, the availability and effectiveness of digital learning ecosystems and their influence on students’ readiness for electric vehicle technology careers. The study will highlight the contribution of AI knowledge, digital learning resources, virtual simulation platforms and technology-enabled instructional environments toward developing future-ready technical graduates. The findings will provide evidence-based recommendations for universities, policymakers and industry stakeholders on measures to strengthen AI integration in technology education curricula, improve digital infrastructure, promote industry-academic collaboration and enhance students’ competencies for emerging electric vehicle technologies.