LEVERAGING AI APPLICATIONS IN HOME ECONOMICS FOR EFFICIENT EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING

Abstract

This study examined the role of AI applications in promoting efficient educational management and planning in Home Economics education. The main purpose of the study was leveraging AI applications in Home Economics for efficient educational management and planning. A descriptive survey research design was adopted with three research questions. Data were collected from Home Economics lecturers, Heads of Department, and programme coordinators drawn from tertiary institutions across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria using a researcher-developed questionnaire administered through Google Forms. The instrument was validated using statistical tools by experts in Home Economics Education and Measurement and Evaluation. Frequency and percentage were used to analyze demographic data, while mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions using a criterion mean of 2.50. Results showed that respondents perceived AI applications as effective tools for strengthening instructional planning (Grand Mean = 3.45), particularly in lesson preparation, instructional material development, classroom assessment, practical lesson organization, and curriculum implementation. AI also improved educational management efficiency (Grand Mean = 3.46) through better record management, communication, monitoring of students' academic progress, and reduced administrative workload. Positive perceptions were equally recorded for the contribution of AI to educational planning (Grand Mean = 3.45), especially in evidence-based decision-making, instructional resource planning, curriculum implementation, and resource allocation. The study revealed that AI could strengthen instructional quality, educational management, and planning in Home Economics when applied responsibly alongside educators' professional expertise. The contributions of this study will help in leveraging AI applications in Home Economics and other areas of study for efficient educational management and planning.