Effect of Mobile Applications on Students’ Interest and Performance in Technical Colleges in Lagos State

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of mobile applications on students’ academic performance and interest in Furniture Design and Construction within technical colleges in Lagos State, Nigeria. Employing a quasi-experimental design, 85 first-year students from two randomly selected colleges were divided into an experimental group (43 students) taught using mobile apps and a control group (42 students) taught via conventional methods. Four research questions and hypotheses guided the study. Data were collected through validated instruments, including an Achievement Test, Interest Inventory, and Skills Performance Test, with pre-tests and post-tests administered over a four-week intervention. Results revealed that the experimental group outperformed the control group, with a mean academic gain of 25.20 versus 14.00 and an interest gain of 68.00 versus 5.75. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) confirmed significant differences in academic performance (F = 103.717, p < 0.05) and interest (F = 175.259, p < 0.05) favouring mobile apps, while ability level showed no significant effect on either outcome (p > 0.05). Recommendations include integrating mobile apps into technical education and optimal app design for sustained benefits.