Access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in selected Villages of Bauchi Local Government Area: Challenge to E-Learning and use of Open Educational Resources in Rural Areas of Nigeria

Abstract

The study examines the challenges of E-Learning and the access of Open Education Resources (OER) using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Bauchi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria. A total of 120 respondents were randomly selected in ten villages in the LGA. Data were collected using pre-tested questionnaires and analyzed using percentages, means, modes, median, frequencies; chisquare and other parametric statistical tools. For the purpose of the research, ICTs were divided in to two categories: conventional (Radio/Television) and contemporary or modern (computer/internet and GSM). Results showed that radio was the widely accessible ICT by the respondents (98.33%) it was followed by television (41.67%), GSM (40.00%) and the least computer/internet (5.00%). Chi-square analysis revealed that age, background and educational level of respondents were significant (P ≤ 0.05) with access to modern ICTs. Kruskal-Willis rank test on reception of ICT services was not significant because on the average, at least the service of one of the categories of ICTs was received by respondents in all the villages studied. Mann-Whitney rank test on the problems confronting the respondents was significant (P ≤ 0.05) with access to ICTs. Thus, it is recommended that widespread education on the use of modern ICTs especially computer/internet and intensification of the use of existing conventional ICTs particularly the radio will bring a turning point in the access of OER using both the conventional and contemporary ICT tools in most rural areas of Nigeria.

Key words: Access, challenge, E-Learning, OER, ICTs