Computer Applications in TVET Curricula: Ascertaining the Responsiveness of Civil Engineering Curricula in the Higher National Diploma in Ghana

Abstract

Purpose: This study seeks to validate the trade-specific computer applications essential for civil engineering practice and relevant to civil engineering training at the HND level in Ghana, and to establish the responsiveness of the HND Civil Engineering curricula in Ghana to these applications. Design/Methodology/Approach: Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 94 lecturers, purposively sampled from all ten Technical Universities in Ghana. The data were further validated using the existing HND civil engineering curricula in the ten Technical Universities. Data were analysed using percentages, mean, standard deviation, and a one-sample T-test. Findings: The study found nine (9) trade-specific computer applications essential for civil engineering practice and relevant to civil engineering training at the HND level in Ghana. Regarding the nine trade-specific computer applications, the existing HND civil engineering curricula were responsive to only two (2): AutoCAD Architecture and EPANET, suggesting deficiencies in graduates’ competencies in trade-specific computer applications essential for HND graduates' functional performance and productivity. Research Limitation: This study was geographically limited to Ghana and used the HND Civil Engineering Curricula by CTVET and run by Technical Universities as the base document for the evaluation. Practical Implication: This study provides a basis for academics, CTVET, and educational stakeholders to review the existing HND civil engineering curricula to make them responsive to the competencies in trade-specific computer applications required by the construction industry. Social Implication: The study informs policy formulation to make TVET curricula responsive to industry needs in Ghana. It also contributes to addressing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 by identifying trade-specific computer application deficiencies in the existing HND civil engineering curricula by the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), and the ten Technical Universities in Ghana. Originality/value: This study has established nine (9) trade-specific computer applications essential for civil engineering practice and training at the HND level in Ghana, and the responsiveness of the existing HND Civil Engineering curricula in Ghana to these applications. Thus, it provides the nexus for improving the existing curricula and quality TVET.