AN ASSESSMENT OF DIGITAL SECURITY, RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES SKILLS AMONG PRE-SERVICE SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHERS IN OGUN STATE

Abstract

This research assessed the skills related to digital security and the rights and responsibilities associated with digital citizenship among pre-service Social Studies teachers in Ogun State. The study examines the level of digital security and digital rights and responsibilities skills among preservice teachers. The study was guided by two key questions: what is the level of skills acquisition regarding digital security among students?; what is the level of awareness concerning digital rights and responsibilities among Social Studies and Civic Education students? A survey research designwas utilised for this investigation. All 100- and 200-level pre-service Social Studies teachers at TaiSolarin University of Education, Ogun State, were included in the study. A total of 293 students wererandomly selected for participation through a simple random sampling method. Data collection was conducted using a self-structured questionnaire named “Digital Citizenship Skills Questionnaire”(DCSQ), which had a reliability coefficient of R=0.86. The gathered data were coded and analysed with descriptive statistics. The results indicated that pre-service Social Studies teachers demonstrated a low level of proficiency in digital security skills but exhibited a moderate level of understanding regarding digital rights and responsibilities. In the light of these findings, it is suggested that pre-service Social Studies teachers should be exposed to comprehensive training on digital security and digital rights and responsibilities to help them develop skills that qualify them as responsible digital citizens.