1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY.
Distance learning is a way of learning
remotely without being in regular face-to-face contact with a teacher in
the classroom. In the UK such learning has its roots in students
learning through correspondence courses. At undergraduate level distance
learning usually means students engaging with learning materials at
home or work. The introduction of ICT into the educational system has
redefined teaching and learning processes or endeavors thereby giving
rise to contemporary medium of learning termed "E-learning" (Agbonlahor,
2005). E-learning is an innovative approach for delivering
electronically mediated, well designed, learner centered and interrative
learning environments to anyone, in any place and at anytime, by
utilizing the internet and digital technologies (Hedge and Hayward,
2004).
Presently, some institutions in Nigeria
are using E-learning to deliver distance education (DE) and lifelong
learning due to the fact that Nigerians struggle to obtain
qualification through higher education for social and occupational
mobility (Jegede, 2003). However, in a country of different dimension
such as Nigeria, distance education has emerged as a mediated form of
instruction, and has all the attributes to become a major ally in
overcoming of the serious challenges faced by the Nigerian Society.
Presently, some institutions in Nigeria
are using e-learning to deliver distance education (DE) and life-long
learning due to the fact that Nigerians struggle to obtain qualification
through higher education for social and occupational mobility (Jegede,
2003). However, in a country of different dimensions such as Nigeria,
distance education has emerged as a mediated form of instruction, and
has all the attributes to become a major ally in overcoming one of the
serious challenges faced by the Nigerian society. It was based on this
that the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) was established to
run on an e-learning platform so as to meet up with contemporary
challenges of providing education for Nigerians irrespective of their
location. This has led to huge investments for the deployment of
state-of-the-art e-learning facilities in all of NOUN’s study centres.
This, it was believed would enhance teaching and learning and guarantee
students’ satisfaction. However, little empirical studies have been
carried out on satisfaction of e-learning in Nigeria.It was based on
this that the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) was established
to run on an e-learning platform so as to meet up with contemporary
challenges of providing education for Nigerians irrespective of their
location. This has led to huge investments for the deployment of
state-of-the-art e-learning facilities in all of NOUN’s study centres.
This, it was believed would enhance teaching and learning and guarantee
students’ satisfaction. However, little empirical studies have been
carried out on satisfaction of e-learning in Nigeria.
Users’ satisfaction of e-learning system
is a benchmark in justifying the huge investment on a system. Leclercq
(2007), found that the relationship between the IS function and the
users as well as the quality of support and services provided by the IS
function had an impact on user satisfaction. Venkatesh et al. (2003),
found a significant relationship between user satisfaction and actual
usage. Another study by Leonard-Barton & Sinha (1993) found that the
technical performance of the developers (based on their responsiveness
to problems) was positively related to user satisfaction. Wang et al.,
(2007) also observed that a single measure, such as user satisfaction
does not give a comprehensive view of e-learning systems success.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.
Since the Internet and the use of ICT
technology is employed in the course structure of distance learning,
additional problems may arise ranging from student’s perception of the
technology as assisting or impeding the learning process to their level
of satisfaction in distance learning. However there is need to find out
the determinants of student satisfaction in a distance learning
environment and determine their level of satisfaction with such
environment.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The following are the objectives of this study:
To ascertain the level of student’s satisfaction with the learning environment in distance learning Universities in Nigeria.
To examine the determinants of students satisfaction in a distance learning environment
To analyze the factors that can enhance students satisfaction in a distance learning university.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
What is the level of student’s satisfaction with the learning environment in distance learning Universities in Nigeria?
How can the level of students' satisfaction in distance learning be improved in University of Ibadan?
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The following are the significance of the study;
This study will be useful for policy
makers in education sector on the challenges faced by students that is
associated with the learning environment in distance learning
universities, a case study of university of Ibadan.
This will also prepare students in
university of Ibadan to cope with any challenges faced as a result of
the gap created by the distance between the lecturer and the students.
This research will also serve as a
resource base to other scholars and researchers interested in carrying
out further research in this field subsequently, if applied, it will go
to an extent to provide new explanation to the topic.
1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY.
This study focus basically on students
satisfaction with learning environment in distance learning institute in
University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
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