Effectiveness of web-based software in achieving virtual learning practices in Senior Secondary Schools in Oyo Metropolis

Abstract

Web based software, (or a web-based application) is a software that runs on a server (computer connected to the Internet), while users connect to it from their computers using an Internet browser. Virtual learning (VL) is a form of teaching and learning designed to enhance students’ learning experience by including computers and the Internet in the learning process. This can be achieved with web-based instructional software, which this study sought to do. Purposive random sampling technique was used in selecting two hundred and seventy (270) Senior Secondary Schools One (SSS 1) students from six (6) secondary schools in Oyo metropolis for the study. Three levels of treatment were used: Collaborative Web-based Instruction, Individualised Web-based Instruction and Conventional Instruction. The researchers generated and tested three (3) hypotheses using t-test.  Results of these hypotheses showed that there was no significant difference in the achievement of Mathematics students exposed to Individual Web-based Instruction and Conventional Instruction {13.3 (t = 5.930; p > .05) and 11.2 (t = 5.930; p > .05), no significant difference in the achievement of Mathematics students exposed to Individualised and Collaborative Web-based Instruction {13.3 (t = -2902; p < .05) and 14.3 (t = -2902; p < .05 Based on the above findings it was recommended that Web-based Instruction should be used in achieving virtual learning practices in senior secondary schools among others.