Students’ Assessment of Open Distance Learning Programmes and Services in Nigeria: A Comparative Description of Three Selected Distance Learning Institutions

Abstract

This study reported students' assessment of open and distance learning programmes and services vis-à-vis teaching and learning experience, educational resources, technical support service and infrastructural facilities in ODL institutions in Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and the participants for the study comprised of 719 students randomly drawn from three purposively selected ODL institutions in Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire was used as an instrument for the study. Quantitative data generated from the survey were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) while the qualitative data was content analysed. Result of the study showed that students enrol in open and distance learning programmes majorly as a result of the flexibility in learning. While students relatively rate their teaching & learning experience, educational resources and available infrastructural facilities in their universities good, they, however, rate technical support services provided in the ODL institutions as being poor. A comparative analysis of the students’ assessment in the three institutions revealed that there exists a statistically significant difference in teaching & learning experiences, available educational resources, technical support services and infrastructural facilities in the institutions. Based on the findiings of the study, some recommendation were made.

Technology Self-Efficacy and Digital Literacy Among Odl Students: The Moderating Role of Gender

“…Open distance learning (ODL) has become an increasingly popular mode of education in recent years due to the way it has been transforming the educational landscape by providing flexible and accessible learning opportunities to learners across the globe (Itasanmi, 2022). The term ODL refers to an educational process, whether formal, informal or non-formal that is mediated by technology in which learners are separated from their instructors (Itasanmi et al, 2020). In essence, ODL is a mode of education that delivers instruction to learners using technology.…”

Determinants of the Behavioural Intention of Open Distance Learning Students to Use Digital Tools and Resources for Learning in Nigeria

“…Distance education refers to the technology-mediated teaching and learning process in which learners are physically separated from their instructors (Itasanmi & Oni, 2021). Any learning activity whether formal, informal or non-formal that is facilitated through a multiplicity of both print and digital media in a way that increases the interactivity and communication among learners, learning sources and facilitators with fewer physical contacts is called open and distance learning (ODL) (Itasanmi et al, 2020). ODL has become an accepted part of the mainstream educational system all over the world.…”

“…ODL has also played a major role in helping universities meet the demands of teeming youth desirous of university education but could not due to admission gridlock in Nigerian universities that has become so stifling and overwhelming. Providing quality education for a population estimated at over 200 million through conventional education is somewhat unachievable (Itasanmi et al, 2020). With the emergence of COVID-19 and the need to curtail its spread, distance education provision in the country has increased.…”