Access and utilisation of distance learning platforms by Undergraduate Students of Faculty of Education in National Open University of Nigeria

Abstract

This research was carried out to investigate the Access and Utilisation of Distance Learning Platforms by Undergraduate Students of the Faculty of Education in National Open University of Nigeria. The objectives of the study are to find out: the Distance Learning Platforms that are available; the Distance Learning Platforms that the undergraduate students of the Faculty of Education, National Open University of Nigeria applied, and determine the extent to which undergraduate students of the Faculty of Education of National Open University of Nigeria applied Distance Learning Platforms for information utilization. The study adopted quantitative research methodology and specifically a survey research design. The population comprised of undergraduate students in the six North East Zone Study Centres, Faculty of Education, National Open University of Nigeria. A total number of 8,739 undergraduate students constituted the population out of which 740 undergraduate students were used as samples. Questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data collected. The study established amongst others that there is significant relationship between access and utilization of Distance Learning Platforms for information utilisation by Undergraduate Students of Faculty of Education, National Open University of Nigeria could be rejected. The study revealed that Portal, Learning Management Systems, Result Management System, E-exams Application System, Project Administration System, e-Counselling Management System, E-Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA) systems and Library Resources Systems are the types of DLP available for information utilization. The study recommended amongst others that there is need for the integration of all Distance Learning Platforms (DLP) for higher educational institutions; and the study has shown the need for orientation to the students on the importance of application of the platforms for their academic pursuits.