Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Lecturers' Proficiency Levels in MS PowerPoint, Canva and Gamma in Nigeria

Abstract

This research paper investigates the proficiency levels of university lecturers in Nigeria regarding the utilization of AI features in three innovative presentation software tools: MS PowerPoint, Canva, and Gamma. With AI playing a pivotal role in enhancing research, teaching and learning experiences, the study delves into the significance of PowerPoint literacy in modern educational settings. The research aims to identify the prevailing gaps in lecturers’ proficiency with these tools, elucidate the perception of lecturers after the workshop training and propose recommendations to augment their expertise. The study adopted the pretest post-test non-randomized quasi experimental design. The population of the study comprised of the entire academic staff of the University of Abuja, Nigeria. The sample size used was made up of 301 lecturers who are active participants of trainings organized by the Centre of Innovation in Teaching and Research at the University. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation on a 4-point Likert Scale which were made up of 14 research-items. The findings of this study serves as a foundation for developing training programs and interventions to improve PowerPoint literacy skills among lecturers in Nigerian universities. The limitations of the study include its non-randomized quasi-experimental design, which may introduce biases and limit generalizability. The sample size of 301 lecturers from a single university may not represent lecturers from other institutions, impacting the external validity. Self-reported data using a Likert scale introduces the possibility of response bias. The focus on specific software tools (MS PowerPoint, Canva, and Gamma) may overlook other relevant technologies. The study addresses the importance of PowerPoint literacy in modern teaching environments and identifies gaps in lecturers' skills, providing recommendations for enhancing their proficiency. The findings contribute to the development of training programs and interventions to improve PowerPoint literacy skills among lecturers in Nigerian universities, with implications for enhancing teaching quality and student engagement.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, PowerPoint literacy, PowerPoint proficiency, university lecturers, MS PowerPoint, Canva, Gamma, Teaching and Research, Training Programmes