Electro-Learning Amidst Covid-19 Lockdown and Related Challenges of Undergraduates in Nigerian Universities
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This paper examined the various electronic learning platforms adopted by undergraduates in Nigerian Universities which include both private and public universities in Nigeria and its related challenges during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. The coronavirus’ enormous consequences, which affected all countries and industries, influenced around 91% of the world's students. The objective of this study is to investigate the experiences of private and public university undergraduates in a Nigerian University, to determine whether there is a significant disparity in the accessibility, affordability, and ease of use
of the various e-learning platforms that were adopted
during the global pandemic lockdown. The study employed
the survey method in eliciting useful information from
undergraduates in Covenant University, and in the
University of Lagos. The population of the study consisted
of 374 undergraduates from both schools. Due to the
inaccessibility of students whose lecturers were on
industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of
Universities, the questionnaire was physically distributed
to students at Covenant University, while a Google form
was generated for students at the University of Lagos.
Data was analyzed using descriptive techniques in
frequencies, percentages, and linear regression analysis.
Results from the study revealed that 68.1% of students at
Covenant University utilized more e-learning platforms
like Moodle, Coursera, Zoom, and WebEx unlike their
counterparts at the University of Lagos who used only
Moodle and Zoom with 43.6%. Also, 87.5% of Covenant
University undergraduates made use of their laptops
mostly for their e-learning classes while 56.4% of their
counterparts in the University of Lagos mostly made use of
their smartphones. Findings revealed that students from
public Universities faced major challenges such as unstable
internet, limited financial capability in buying devices such as laptops, and lack of skill and competence in navigating the e-learning platforms while students in the private universities on the contrary had relatively stable internet connectivity, could afford laptops and smart devices and had the requisite skills to properly navigate their e-learning platforms. The study concludes by recommending the provision of substantial financing that will aid in the acquisition of relevant technology to promote and support e-learning in public universities in Nigeria. It also suggested the inclusion of public University students with adequate training on how to navigate the e-learning platforms, thereby equipping them with the requisite skills needed to maximize the benefits of e-learning. The study emphasizes how the use of e-learning can be an effective sustainable learning solution for current and future situations by the main actors, educators, and learners. In the long run, the Nigerian educational system would be better prepared to face future emergencies that may warrant the adoption of remote learning.
Keywords
H Social Sciences (General), HM Sociology