An Evaluative Study of the E-learning Resources of the National Open University of Nigeria
Keywords:
E-learning, tools, technology, instructional delivery, open and distance learning, National Open University of NigeriaAbstract
Open and Distance Learning (ODL) emerged to broaden access to higher education for learners. Besides print materials, e-learning is fast becoming the most widely used medium of instructional delivery in open and distance learning environments worldwide. The trend cannot but be traceable to the rapid development of information and communications technology. Among the e-learning tools and technology which currently support instructional delivery in ODL include the internet, intranet, video conferencing, teleconferencing, educational radio and television, CD-ROM, e-mail and mobile phone. These technologies complement the regular print materials and periodic face-to-face contact between students and their course facilitators. The use of technology to enhance learning has led to such nomenclatures as online learning, virtual learning, distributed learning, network learning, independent learning, cyber schooling, and tele-learning. In line with the emerging global trend in e-learning support for ODL, the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), in addition to its widely used print materials has embraced aspects of e-learning technology in its instructional delivery. Based on a descriptive survey design, this paper evaluates the e-learning resources used to complement other modes of instructional delivery in NOUN. The findings indicate that while the institution’s e-learning tools and technology resources are still in their infancy and thus not often user-friendly, the e-maturity of a significant number of NOUN students is still very low. The study, further found that students’ interest in e-learning could be motivated in the foreseeable future if certain technological challenges confronting the institution’s e-learning platform are addressed. Finally, the study makes some recommendations to improve the e-learning services of the National Open University of Nigeria; especially in the 21st century where e-learning is becoming the preferred mode of instructional delivery in ODL.
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