Answer:
The emergence of computers from 1936-1985 witnessed several remarkable trends that had considerable relevance to the education industry in Nigeria. Below are some of the significant trends and their relevance to the education sector in Nigeria:
1) The First Generation Computers (1936-1950s): The first computers were large, bulky, and crude devices that used vacuum tubes, magnetic drums, and punched cards for data processing. The early computers were mainly used for government and military purposes, such as code-breaking, ballistic calculations, and scientific research. The relevance of first-generation computers to the education industry in Nigeria was limited, as they were too expensive and complex for widespread adoption in schools.
2) The Second Generation Computers (1950s-1960s): In the 1950s, computers became smaller, faster, and more reliable, thanks to the invention of transistors. Second-generation computers used magnetic core memory and high-level programming languages such as COBOL and FORTRAN. These advancements made computers more accessible to businesses and government agencies, enabling them to streamline their operations and increase efficiency. However, the education industry in Nigeria still had limited access to computers due to cost and technological barriers.
3) The Third Generation Computers (1960s-1970s): The Third Generation Computers witnessed several improvements in technology, such as the development of the integrated circuit, which led to the creation of miniaturized and affordable computers. These computers were faster, more reliable, and had increased data storage capacity. They were also equipped with graphical user interfaces and interactive software, making them more user-friendly. This generation of computers became more relevant to the education industry in Nigeria, as they were affordable enough to be used in schools for teaching and learning.
4) The Fourth Generation Computers (1970s-1980s): Fourth-generation computers were faster, cheaper, and more efficient than their predecessors. The introduction of microprocessors made it possible to design computers that were small enough to fit on a desktop. This development led to the development of personal computers, which revolutionized the way people worked and communicated. Personal computers had enormous relevance to the education industry in Nigeria, as they enabled students and teachers to access information and learn new skills more easily.
In conclusion, the trends in the emergence of computers from 1936-1985 had considerable relevance to the education industry in Nigeria. Despite the technological and cost barriers that limited access to computers in the early years, the advancement of computer technology over time made it possible for computers to become an integral part of teaching and learning in Nigeria.