Distance and Online learning in Nigerian Open and Distance Learning Institutions; Learners’ Perspective

Abstract

This study examined the view of Science Education learners at Distance Learning Institute (DLI), University of Lagos and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) about Distance and online learning. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. A researcher-designed questionnaire with reliability co-efficient of 0.78 was employed. Mean score and standard deviation (SD) answered the research questions elicited from two hundred and ten (210) respondents while t-test analyzed the hypotheses. The result of the hypotheses, revealed no significant difference in the perception by learners based on gender. The findings revealed that, study materials were not all available at the beginning of the academic year. Learners prefer their lecture modules in audio and video formats, teleconferencing and live streaming than in-prints. The LMS does not accommodate virtual laboratory for practical, which is essential for Science Education students. The institutions’ managements are encouraged to proffer solutions to these identified challenges for learners’ motivation.