UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA

FACULTY OF VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL

EDUCATION

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER & ROBOTICS EDUCATION

POSTGRADUATE, M.TECH AND PhD TECH

IN COMPUTER & ROBOTICS EDUCATION
DEGREE PROGRAMMES
 DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER & ROBOTICS EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA
POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION (COMPUTER
EDUCATION), M.TECH/ AND PhD DEGREE PROGRAMMES

Philosophy of the Programme

Postgraduate Diploma in Technical Education (Computer Education) is made available to people
who are already graduates in related fields or careers but desire to update or upgrade their present
occupational skills. The strength of this philosophy suggests that majority of the persons that
would be admitted into the PGDTE (Computer Education) programme would be graduates of
related fields and may be in related careers. Hence, the programme will upgrade their knowledge
and skills to make them better equipped for effective performance in their careers.

The M.Tech and PhD Tech programmes of the Department of Computer & Robotics Education
are intended to prepare qualified individuals who can assume leadership positions in
government, secondary schools, colleges of Education, polytechnics, universities, industry and
commerce. Computer Education has since been introduced at all levels of Education in Nigeria
to bring about a computer literate citizenry in Nigeria. To achieve this aim therefore, lecturers
and teacher that would bring about this literacy must be well trained in higher degrees in
Computer Education.

Objectives of the Programme

The postgraduate programmes of the Department of Computer Education are intended to:
1. equip students with professional competencies that will enable them serve in leadership
and teaching positions in secondary schools, government, colleges of education,
polytechnics and universities
2. increase the technical knowledge and skills of students so that they can keep abreast of
technological developments in their area of specialization
3. develop research skills in students and teach them to apply such skills in the solution of
problems in Computer Education.
4. equip students with competencies that will enable them become self-reliant in the society.

Scope
M.Tech and PhD Tech programmes of the Department of Computer & Robotics Education are
designed to offer courses in three different areas of Computer Education.

Entry Requirements
PGDTE
A minimum of Bachelors degree or HND passed at distinction or upper credit in Computer
Science, Computer Statistics, Information Management, Computer Engineering, Mathematics,
Physics and other related areas. Other professionals in management and administration whose
detailed academic records are acceptable to senate of the University of Nigeria may be admitted.

Master of Technology Education (M.Tech) (Computer & Robotics Education)

The following categories of candidates may be admitted on application:
 (a) Graduates of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka or of other approved universities who have
obtained at least a second class honours degrees or its equivalent in Computer Education.
Graduates of related disciplines such as Computer Science, Computer Statistics, Computer
Engineering etc who have obtained second class honours degree or its equivalent and who
have in addition a Post Graduate Diploma in Technical Education (Computer Education)
and passed at Credit level or above.

(b) Holders of Higher National Diploma who have in addition obtained a Post Graduate
Diploma in Technical Education (Computer Education) at Credit level or above.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD Tech) (Computer & Robotics Education)

Candidates who possess a Masters or Higher Degree in any area of Computer Education from the
University of Nigeria or other approved universities may be admitted into the Doctor of
Philosophy Programme provided that they obtained a minimum GPA of 4.00 on a 5-point scale
or 3.00 on a 4-point scale and that a satisfactory research work formed part of the Masters
degree.

MODE OF STUDY
1. The Master of Technology Education (Computer & Robotics Education) degree will
be prosecuted through course work and project where course work predominates over
research and constitutes not less than two thirds of the credit load.
2. The Doctor of Philosophy degree will be prosecuted through course work and
doctoral research thesis.
DURATION OF PROGRAMME AND RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
The maximum and minimum duration of Postgraduate Programnme shall be
(a) Master’s Programme
Full-time: The minimum duration = Three Semesters
The maximum duration = Five Semesters
Part-time The minimum duration = Six Semesters
The maximum duration = Eight Semesters

(b) PhD Programme

Full-time: The minimum duration = Six Semesters
The maximum duration = Ten Semesters
Part-time: The minimum duration = Eight Semesters
The maximum duration = Twelve Semesters

Employment Opportunities
Graduates of these programmes can be employed as teachers , instructors in secondary schools,
technical colleges, Colleges of Education, Polytechnics, Monotechnics, Universities or training
institutions. Graduates of M.Tech and PhD (Computer Education) programmes can also be self
employed in computing fields. They can also take up administrative positions in organizations.

Areas of Specialization
The department of Computer Education offers M.Tech and PhD programmes in various areas of
specialization as specified below: Students may specialize in any of these areas at both Masters
and PhD levels.
 Software Development and Applications
 Hardware Maintenance and Management
 Networking and Communication
 Robotics Education

Stress Areas Stress Code

1. Vocational and Technical Education 0
2. Computer Education 1
3. Software Development and Applications 2
4. Hardware Maintenance and Management 3
5. Networking and Communication 4
6. Robotics Education 5
7. Dissertation/Thesis 9

PGDTE (COMPUTER EDUCATION)

COURSES
First Semester

Course No. Course Title Units

VTE 0501 Foundations of Technology Education 2
VTE 0503 Vocational Guidance 2
VTE 0505 Administration of Technology Education 2
VTE 0507 Measurement & Evaluation in Vocational Education 2
VTE 0509 Statistics in Technology Education 2
VTE 0511 Research Methods in Technology Education 2
EDU 0511 Educational Psychology I 2
EDU 0521 Curriculum Theory and Planning 3
TOTAL 17
Second Semester
CRE 0542 Curriculum Development in Computer Education 2
CRE 0544 Practical Teaching in Computer Education 3
CRE 0546 Methodology in Computer Education 2
CRE 0548 Seminar in Computer Education 2
EDU 0512 Educational Psychology II 2
CRE 0590 Project 4
TOTAL 17

Option: Two Units of Course work must be taken from the following:
CRE 0530 Computer Programming, Application and Management
in Schools II 2
CRE 0540 Computer Hardware Systems Maintenance 2
CRE 0550 Computer Networking and Protocol 2
CRE 0560 Robotics Programming 2
TOTAL 19

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

CRE 0542 Curriculum Development in Computer Education

Major components of curriculum in Computer Education. Sources and factors in curriculum
planning, historical trends in curriculum revision and innovation in Computer Education in
Nigeria. Steps in curriculum development; Curriculum evaluation – roles procedure, stages and
evaluation of instruments in Computer Education. A review of syllabuses of secondary school
computer studies subject. (2 units)

CRE 0546 Methodology in Computer Education

Application of principles of the curriculum and course construction with application to classroom
situations. Emphasis on methods of teaching (objectives, lesson planning, techniques of teaching
and sources of materials), and measurement techniques appropriate for Computer Education.
Planning of teaching laboratories and instructional techniques in Computer Education. (2 units)

CRE 0548 Seminar in Computer Education

A consideration, identification and examination of some of the major issues presently facing
Nigerian educational authorities regarding the role and nature of Computer Education
programme under formal and non-formal settings. Instructional problems of teachers and
students problems in choosing careers in Computer Education will be considered. (2 units)

CRE 0530 Computer Programming, Application and Management in Schools

Development and application of Software/Programs using Java Programming Language
Structures and Keywords in Java. (2 Units)

CRE 0540 Computer Hardware Maintenance

Definition of computer hardware; basic hardware components of the computer such as keyboard,
mouse, systems unit, monitor/VDU/screen, motherboards, CPU, CD-ROM drives, hard disk
drives, floppy disk drives, RAM and their types, ROM, IDE cables, casing and their types;
Assembling a computer; installing operating systems and other software; major maintenance and
computer troubleshooting. (2 units)

CRE 0550 Computer Networking and Protocol

Data Communication Networks; Recognition and description of Internet communication

protocols; OSI reference model, network protocols and standards, transmission media, Routing,
(2 Units)
CRE 0560 Robotics Programming
Introduction to Programming LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3. Robot math, sequences of
commands, Sensors and how they work (Touch sensor, Ultrasonic sensor, Gyro Sensor and
Color sensor); Intermediate Concepts of Programming (Progrm Flow model, Wait Until
commands, Decision-making structures- Loops, IF/ELSE, Repeated Decisions); Troubleshooting
strategies and engineering practices – Problem solving strategies, and Team work. (2 Units)

M.TECH P ROGRAMME
First Semester
Course No. Course Title Units
VTE 501 Theories and administration of Vocational and Technical Education 3
VTE 503 Research Methods in Vocational/Technical Ed. 3
VTE 505 Curriculum Development in Vocational/Technical Ed. 3
VTE 507 ICT in Vocational and Technical Education 3
CRE 521 Advanced Spreadsheet Processing 2
CRE 511 Foundations of Computer Education 2
PGC 601 Research Methodology and Application of ICT in Research 3
TOTAL 19

Second Semester
Six units of courses must be chosen from options A, B, C, or D according to area of
specialization
OPTIONS
A. SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATIONS
CRE 520 Advanced Database design and Implementation 2
CRE 522 Presentation Graphics Applications 2
CRE 524 Media Literacy and Distance Education 2
CRE 526 Instructional Software Development in Computer Education 2

B. HARDWARE MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT

CRE 530 Computer hardware Maintenance and Management 2
CRE 532 Hardware security and Digital Forensics 2
CRE 534 Introductory Laboratory hardware maintenance practices 2
CRE 536 Advanced Computer Architecture/Assembling for Voc. Education 2

C. NETWORKING AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

CRE 540 Data Communication and internet Security 2
CRE 542 Wireless communication and Mobile computing 2
CRE 544 Data Mining and Security Issues 2
CRE 546 Data Communication Architecture and Protocols in Tech. Education 2
D. ROBOTICS EDUCATION
CRE 550 Foundations of Robotic Education 2
CRE 552 Introduction to Robotic programming 2
CRE 554 Introduction to Robotic graphics 2
CRE 556 Rudiments of Design and Development of Educational Robots 2
Third Semester
Course No. Course Title Units
CRE 512 Seminar in Computer Education 2
CRE 590 Dissertation 6
TOTAL 16
Grand Total 35

PhD PROGRAMME
Candidates should register a total of 40 units of courses.

First Semester

Course No. Title Units

VTE 601 Emerging issues and innovations in Vocational and Technical Education 3
VTE 603 Enterprise Development in Vocational and Technical Education 3
VTE 605 Proposal and Grant Writing in Vocational and Technical Education 3
PGC 701 Synopsis and Grant Writing 3
TOTAL 12
Second semester
CRE 610 Doctoral Seminar in Computer Education 4
CRE 612 Curriculum Studies in Computer Education 3
CRE 614 Emerging issues/trends in Computer Education 2
TOTAL 19
Third and Fourth semesters
Eight (8) units must be chosen from either options A, B or C according to area of specialization

OPTIONS:
A. SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATIONS
CRE 621 ICT Multimedia and Instructional Content Development 2
CRE 623 E-learning course Design and Development 2
CRE 625 Web Design and Applications 2
CRE 627 Collaborative Computing and e-learning Technologies 2

B. HARDWARE MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT

CRE 631 Software Applications for Hardware Maintenance 2
CRE 633 Advanced Digital Systems Security and Forensics 2
CRE 635 Cloud computing, storage and media systems 2
CRE 637 Laboratory works in hardware maintenance 2
C. NETWORKING AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
CRE 641 Network Protocols Design and Implementation 2
CRE 643 Next Generation Network Technology 2
CRE 645 Advanced Technology Developments in Networking and Communication 2
CRE 647 Practical Networking Designs 2

D. ROBOTICS EDUCATION
CRE 651 Emerging trends in Robotic Education 2
CRE 653 Advanced Robotic Programming 2
CRE 655 Advanced Robotic graphics 2
CRE 657 Design and Development of Educational Robots 2
Fifth Semester

CRE 690 Thesis 12

TOTAL 41

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

CRE 511 Foundations of Computer Education

Overview of the concept of Computer Education, Rationale for Computer Education, Computer
Education in Nigeria – Pros and Cons, Policies on Computer Education, Theories of Computer
Education. (2 units)

CRE 521 Advanced Spreadsheet Processing

Data reduction using Spreadsheet software; Analysis of research data using SPSS – declaration
of variables, creation of Data files, comparison of variables. Graphical representation of data. (2
units)

CRE 526 Instructional Software Development

Instructional software development life cycle. Standards for instructional software. Planning a
structured instructional software development project. Data structures for instructional software.
Employing software project management tools for implementation. Documentation of
instructional software product. (2 units)

CRE 536 Advanced Computer Architecture/Assembling

CPU Architecture, Single processing systems, Parallel processing systems: CISC RISC,
Pipelining Multithreading, Multicore architecture. Memory architecture, memory hierarchy,
Organization and mapping, Cache architecture. System Clonning Techniques. (2 units)

CRE 541 Data Communication Network Architectures and Protocols

Data Communication Components. Network types and components. Local and Wide Area
Network architectures. Multipoint, point-to-point protocols. OSI Model and Implementation.
CCITT recommendations. Basics of Packet Switching Systems. Network Security, issues at
various OSI levels. (2 units)

CRE 520 Advanced Database design and Implementation

General database theory. Relational Databases, Real-time databases, Distributed databases,
Distributed Database Architecture. Online transactions processing (OTRAP). Database
concurrency control and global commits. Overview of Mobile Database Caching. Datamining
and Online Analytical Processing (OLAP). Educational applications. Structured Query
Language. (2 units)

CRE 522 Presentation Graphics Applications

Modeling of graphic objects in 2-D and 3-D Coordinate Space. Implementation of
transformation commands for computer animation, using OpenGL or any other graphic
presentation software. Making Movies: Concept, Storyboarding, Sound, Character Development,
Layout and look, Effects, Animation, and Lighting. Matchmoving and compositing of digital
characters. (2 units)

CRE 526 Media Literacy and Distance Education

Concept of Media Literacy, Types of media – Digital and Non digital media, Interactive and non
interactive media. Concept of Distance Education, Use of media in Distance Education. (2 units)

CRE 530 Computer Hardware Maintenance and Management

An overview of basic consumer electricity (circuits devices & accessories) Hardware Structures
in Microcomputers. System Unit main building blocks. Peripheral interfacing and configuration.
BIOS Setup and configuration. System fault diagnosis. Preventive Maintenance. Maintenance
workshop management and organisation. Use of Basic tools and measuring instruments. (2 units)

CRE 532 Hardware security and Digital Forensics

The hardware security environment. Hardware access control. Electrical and electromagnetic
threats. Information tapping techniques. Personal computer security. Tamper Resistant Seals.
Using Open-Source/commercial software tools for digital forensic triage and cross drive
analysis. Visualization Techniques for digital media exploitation. Analyzing Hard disk imagery.
Forensic investigation of small digital devices and large capacity drives. (2 units)

CRE 534 Introductory Laboratory hardware maintenance practices

Introductory laboratory practical in hardware maintenance. Mainly projects, assignments and
applications. (2 units)
CRE 546 Data Communication and internet Security
Overview of Internet security. Tracing Internet traffic, information interception. Security threats
on the Internet: Alteration, spoofing and denial of service, Jamming, hacking. Security
Appliances and applications: Usability and Main tenability. Security patching and security
software. Emerging threats and solutions. Data encryption and cryptanalysis. (2 units)

CRE 542 Wireless communication and Mobile computing Technologies

Overview of Wireless Technology. Wireless Networks, Ad Hoc Networks. Wireless Devices.
Personal Digital Assistants. Wireless Standards: Wireless LANs Overview, 802.11 Architecture.
Wireless LAN Components. Wireless Personal Area Networks. Bluetooth Overview. Bluetooth
Architecture and Components. Security of Bluetooth. Problems with the Bluetooth Standard
Security.. Wireless Handheld Devices. Emerging Wireless Technologies. Educational
Applications. Use of Mobile computing in education. Mobile Databases in educational
environment. Mobile Applications and information sharing. Integrating educational content in
wireless networks. Creation of educational podcasting. (2 units)

CRE 544 Data Mining and Security Issues

The concept of data, information and knowledge. Concept of data mining. Data Mining software
and applications in problem solving and data analysis. Data warehousing, operations of data
mining – classes, clusters, Association, sequential patterns. Different levels of analysis: genetic
algorithms, sequential, decision trees, data visualization, etc. Technological infrastructure
required for data mining. Digital Data security – authentication, password, encryption etc. Data
interception and data loss. Data security management and types. (2 units)
CRE 550 Foundations of Robotics Education
An overview of Robotics in Education, Definitions of concepts – Robots, Education etc. An
overview of application of robots in instructional delivery. (2 units)

CRE 552 Introduction to Robotic programming

Core computer programming logic and reasoning skills using robotic context. Robot math,
Sequences of commands, Touch Sensor, Ultrasonic Sensor, Gyro sensor, and Color Sensor,
Program Flow Model, Wait Until Commands, Decision-Making Structures, Loops, If/Else,
Repeated Decisions, Problem-solving strategies, Teamwork (2 units)

CRE 554 Introduction to Robotic graphics

An overview of robotic graphics. Definitions of concepts. Reviews on Robot virtual world
simulation, carton game robots, educational robot designs etc. (2 units)

CRE 556 Rudiments of Design and Development of Educational Robots

Rudimentary issues in design and development of educational robots. (2 units)

CRE 512 Seminar in Computer Education

Discussions and presentation of pertinent issues in Computer Education with emphasis on
technologies and vocational education. (2 units)

CRE 550 Dissertation

Supervised independent investigation and research in Computer Education. (6 units)

CRE 611 Doctoral Seminar in Computer Education

Advanced discussions and presentation of pertinent issues in Computer Education with emphasis
on technologies and computer education. (4 units)

CRE 613 Curriculum Studies in Computer Education

Selection and organization of instructional materials for computer Education courses. Recent
and relevant curriculum practices, concepts and trends in Computer Education. Different
curriculum designs appropriate for Computer Education. Principle underlying curriculum
research, development and improvement. (3 units)

CRE 615 Emerging Issues and Trends in Computer Education

Trends and current Issues in Computer Education Application of computer Assisted Instructions
Computer skills for the classroom. Preparation of slides and effective presentations. Computer
training for industries and commerce. Capacity building for computer educators in the
information age. Students are expected to deliver one seminar paper in this course. (2 units)

CRE 625 Web Design and Applications

(The Practical for this course will involve use of a good Web design application package such as
DREAMWEAVER) Defining Your Site, Creating A Web Page, Page Layout. Working with,
Creating Graphics, Working with Text and Alignment, Adding Effects, Optimizing Graphics for
the Web, Creating Navigation Buttons, Adding Navigation Links Importing and Cleaning Up
Word HTML, Inserting Content, Inserting an Email Link, Getting Your Site on the Web. (2
units)

CRE 635 Cloud computing, storage and media systems

Introduction to Cloud Computing, Characteristics, Service models, Deployment MODELS of
cloud services: Communications in the Cloud: Using the communications Services, Accessing
through Web APIs, Media Server Control Interfaces, Communications Scalability, Cloud
Storage: Common Features of Cloud Storage Options, Web facing applications, Educational
applications. (2units)

CRE 627 Collaborative Computing and e-learning Technologies

Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning: Basic Concepts, Multiple Perspectives, and
Emerging Trends. Groupware and Computer Supported Cooperative Work. Aspects of
Groupware: keepers, coordinators and coordination models, communicators, team agents and
models. Multi-aspect Groupware. Supporting technologies and theories. Groupware taxonomies.
Group ware and internet. Tools for collaboration:Local workstation applications without
network. Conventional single-user programs reapplied in a collaborative context. Applications
with special interface for facilitating collaboration. Network-based tools: Local Area Network-
based client-server systems . E-mail . Collaborative learning in the Internet and World Wide
Web. Combined multi-tool systems. Learning and teaching in a synchronous collaborative
environment. (2 units)
CRE 621 ICT Multimedia and Instructional Content Development
Advanced applications of ICT skills in Instructional Content developemnt. ICT facilities for
Interactive Education. Blogs Forum, Interactive white boards, Video conferencing chats etc.
Multimedia for vocational Education. Satellite Multimedia presentations. Electronic media etc.
The Internet, World Wide Web, Website Designs and Development File Transfer Protocols. (2
units)

CRE 632 E-learning course Design and Development

Current approaches to e-Learning course implementation. E-learning models and platforms.
Designing e-learning programmes around tested and available courseware’s, (e.g.
BLACKBOARD, LearnLink Virtual Classroom, etc). Online provision of learning materials.
Integration of educational content and functionality. Unified authoring support. Use of authoring
tools, for developing Web-based courseware. Application of educational semantic web in e-
learning course design. Recent advances in Web-based learning. (2 units)

CRE 631 Software Applications for Hardware Maintenance

Studies on current software tools and utilities for computer maintenance and repair. Assessment
of various application features; Asset tracking, maintenance notifications, preventive
maintenance, scheduling repairs, parts inventory, History recording, work orders reporting.
Advances in diagnostic software. (2 units)

CRE 633 Advanced Digital Systems Security and Forensics

A comprehensive survey of digital crimes applicable to educational system. Impact of digital
crimes on Net-based educational programs. Security of online educational materials. Using Data
Mining Application Tools for Forensic Analysis of Digital Devices. Design of a Digital
Forensics Image Mining System. (2 units)
CRE 637 Laboratory works in hardware maintenance
Practical works in hardware maintenance . Assignments, projects and defense of practical
activities. (2 units)

CRE 641 Network Protocol Design and Implementation

High and Low speed Networks, Network hardware architecture, Datagram and virtual circuits,
Datagram reservation architectures, Mobility QoS in the Internet, Link sharing, Traffic
aggregation. (2 units)

CRE 643 Next Generation Network Technology

Overview of Next Generation Network (NGN), Architecture of NGN, Required NGN
technologies, Rationale for NGN, NGN Internet Protocol, NGN transport Network. (2 units)

CRE 645 Advanced Technology Developments in Networking and Communication

Advanced Communication techniques. Review of modern communication technologies.
Various implementations of current CCITT recommendations and that of other standard
organizations in the field of communication networks (2 units)
CRE 647 Practical Networking Designs
Practical works in Networking designs. Assignments, projects and defense of practical
activities. (2 units)

CRE 651 Emerging trends in Robotics Education

Researches should be carried out on recent trends on robotics education and presented as
seminars by students. (2 units)

CRE 653 Advanced Robotic Programming

Current-day research in artificial intelligence - the discipline of designing intelligent decision-
making machines. Techniques from probability, statistics, game theory, algorithms, operations
research and optimal control are increasingly important tools for improving the intelligence and
autonomy of machines, whether those machines are robots surveying Antarctica, schedulers
moving billions of dollars of inventory, spacecraft deciding which experiments to perform, or
vehicles negotiating for lanes on the freeway. This course covers the core of AI from a modern
perspective. (2 units)
CRE 656 Advanced Robotic graphics
Robot virtual world simulation, carton game robots, educational robot designs etc. Different
graphical designs on instructional robots. Hands on robotic graphics. (2 units)

CRE 657 Design and Development of Educational Robots

Hands on in design and development of educational robots. (2 units)

CRE 690 Thesis

Supervised independent investigation and research in Computer Education. (12 units)