Ascertaining The Knowledge and Skill Needs of Elearning in Pattern Drafting and Clothing Construction Among Home Economics Students of Universities in North Central Nigeria

This study ascertained the knowledge and skill needs of university Home Economics students in pattern drafting and clothing construction in North Central Nigeria. The study specifically identifies the level of knowledge of students on e-learning tools and platforms for pattern drafting, assess the digital skills required by students to participate in e-learning for pattern drafting. And examine the availability of e-learning tools in universities offering Home Economics in North Central Nigeria. Three research questions guided the study, and a Descriptive survey design was used. A population of 339 secondyear undergraduate students from four universities in the region registered online for Home Economics including Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, University of Ilorin, Nasarawa State University Keffi and Father Adasu University, Makurdi. The sample for the study was 184 Home Economics students who purposively were choosing using Taro yamen formular. A structured questionnaire titled the Knowledge and Skill Needs of ELearning in Pattern Drafting was used to collect data. The questionnaire was validated by three experts from the Faculty of Vocational and Technical Education, University of Nigeria Nsukka. The instrument was trial tested to a sample of 20 second year students of Home Economics & Hospitality Management University of Nigeria Nsukka, that were outside the study area. Cronbach’s Alpha gave the indexes of SKET =.84, DSPDCC=.79, and AEI =.87, indicating that instrument was reliable for the study. Data collection was online through Google form. The data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions and the result shows the Mean of SKET as ( 2. 21; SD = 0.01) and Mean of DSPDCC as ( = 3.68, SD=.03). While the mean of AEI as (= 1.10, SD=.01). Findings reveal significant gaps in students’ familiarity with relevant e-learning platforms, limited digital tools for engaging in virtual learning. Based on these findings, the study concluded and was recommended, among others that Universities in North central Nigeria should integrate e-learning in the curriculum to improve e- learning knowledge and skills of undergraduates Home Economics students.