ENHANCING TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION THROUGH TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE DIGITAL AGE.

Abstract

This Papertitled, “enhancing Technology Education Through Teacher Professional Development In The Digital Age”, Examined Three Purposes And Answered Three Research Questions. The Study Was Descriptive Survey Which Collected Its Data From A Population Of 255 Technical Teachers From The Seven Technical Colleges In Gombe State Through A Questionnaire Titled, Professional Teacher Questionnaire (ptq) Structured On A Four Likert-type Scale From Highly Agreed To Highly Not Agreed. The Data Were Analyzed Using Mean, Standard Deviation From A Statistical Software Spss Version 20. The Result Showed That There Was Lack Of Adequate Training Hindering The Integration Of Digital Technologies Into The Curriculum And Lack Of Clear Guidelines On How To Effectively Incorporate Digital Technologies In Teaching. The Study Also Found That Innovative Use Of Digital Simulations Enhances Students' Understanding Of Complex Technical Concepts, And Provides Students With Access To Virtual Labs As Well, Allowing For Safe And Cost-effective Hands-on Experimentation. The Study Recommended That The Use Of Digital Simulations Should Be Encouraged And Virtual Labs Of Lower Cost Should Be Built In All Technical Colleges In Gombe State. The Study Also Recommended That Teachers Should Be Encouraged To Adapt To New Teaching Strategies Andto Receive Regular Training And Re-trainingso As To Be Familiar With Online Environment.