AN INVESTIGATION INTO OFFICE TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF THE RELEVANCE OF SHORTHAND IN DIGITAL AGE

Silas Titus Nguwap; Timya Nimfel & Justina Solomon Buwah

Abstract

The study investigated OTM students’ perception of the relevance of Shorthand in the digital age. To facilitate the conduct of the study, three research questions were raised.  The survey method of research design was used. The population of the study consisted of 83 HND II Students of the Department of Office Technology and Management, Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi. The study adopted the entire population in view of the fact that the population was sizeable to handle. Data for the study were collected by means of the questionnaire and analyzed using the mean rating on a Four Point Likert scale.  The result of the analysis revealed the relevance of shorthand in the technological age to include helps in taking down lengthy verbal instructions accurately, saves time for handwritten drafts and manuscripts, used for recording confidential information, used for fast and error-free information/word processing functions, helps to further develops OTM students grammar and communication capabilities, enhances the student’s ability to function effectively and efficiently in the modern office. The study recommended that OTM students should put more efforts and interest towards acquiring relevant skills inherent in the office technology and management curriculum.