- Electronic Learning Strategy as a panacea for sustaining Learning Activities in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions
Introduction
The emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in the imposition of lockdown as a safety and security measure by governments of different nations. While this strict safety measures can be applauded for at least, going a long way to curbing the spread of the virus, it should also be noted that it brought tremendous negative impact on every sector of the economies of the global community especially education (Uju & Agbade, 2020, pp. 17-18). Consequently, the Covid-19 pandemic greatly interrupted tertiary education in Nigeria. As a result of the pandemic, schools were shut down and students were asked to return to their various homes with little or no clue on how to continue their studies. Unfortunately, at a time when High Schools and Colleges switched over to e-learning as students were encouraged to take classes and receive lessons at the comfort of their homes, Nigerian students were left clueless and idle because the educational system in the country has not fully incorporated e-learning strategies in a bid to use it as an alternative to learning in tertiary institutions. Based on this premise, the thrust of this article is to show how electronic learning strategies can contribute positively toward the sustenance of learning activities in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Understanding the concept of E- Learning
A good number of writers and scholars have provided their viewpoints on the concept of electronic learning and our interest in this section of the article is to unravel them. According to Clover (2017), electronic learning otherwise known as e-learning has been in existence since 1999 when the term was used for the first time at a Computer-Based Test (CBT) system seminar. Furthermore, the author noted that within that same period, other computer-related terms also sprang up. Some of these terms include: virtual learning, online learning, web-based learning and the like.
The term – e- learning refers to a learning system obtained through the internet with the use of electronic devices. Also, it can be described as a learning system that is consequent upon formalised teaching method but with the assistance of electronic facilities. The primary idea behind electronuic learning is to provide practical education for students who lack the capability to be present in a traditional classroom setting. However, with the rapid progress in technology as well as the advancement in learning systems, e-learning has become more pronounced. Interestingly, e-learning creates a learning environment where hard copy materials are gradually being alternated for electronic educational materials such as pen drives, optical discs, among others. In addition, through e-learning knowledge transfer has become easy and fast through the internet – which facilitates the accessibility of information anywhere in the globe (Justin, 2010).
E-learning offers the possibility of sharing materials in all kinds of format like word documents, videos, slides, and the like. It provides avenues through which live online classes are conducted between professors and their students.. Indeed, e-learning is an affordable solution which provides learners with the ability to fit learning around their lifestyles such that even a busy person can take advantage of its features (Uju & Agbade, p. 21). To Wni, 2013, e-learning is a technology that supports teaching and learning processes via a computer and the web technology. It bridges the gap between a teacher and student in their various locations. Ii is also very important to note that aside the provision of virtual education, e-learning can also be used to improve classroom learning methods through the application of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) to enhance traditional classroom activities (Suresh & Sridevi, 2018).
Sustaining Learning Activities in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions with different E-Learning Strategies
According to Justin (2010), different e-learning strategies that can be employed I the educational sector abound and they may be grouped based on the usage of internet services or available learning facilities. In regard to learning facilities, Nicolas (2019) provided different types of e-learning. These include:
- Fixed E-Learning: Here, the content used during the learning process does not change from its primary state and all the participating students receive the same information at the same time. This type of e-learning can be likened to be of the same standard with traditional classrooms overtime. As such, one of its challenges is that it does not make use of real time and updated data derived from students input.
- Interactive Online Learning: This type of learning allows students to freely interact with their teachers. It enables a two-way communication channel between the parties involved. From the message sent and received it is easy for the teacher and students to make changes to their teaching and learning methods.
- Adaptive E-Learning: This is a very innovative type of e-learning that makes it easy to adapt to electronic learning strategies easily. Also, it allows for the redesigning of learning materials for every learner. Putting student performance, objectives, abilities and skills into consideration, this type of learning makes education and learning student-centred.
The Importance of E-Learning Strategy to Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria
The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (2012) explained that the relevance of e-learning is presently a given fact as it can offer a myriad o alternatives that are faster, cheaper, and potentially better than traditional learning in the classrooms. Based on this confirmation, one is convinced that with the incorporation of e-learning strategies in tertiary institutions in Nigeria, it will assist students to take their courses and lectures at their pace and convenience. Since e-learning provides course information, time table, notice board, curriculum map, teaching materials like handouts, articles, slides , communication via electronic mails and discussion box, assessments, students’ managerial resources like records and statistics, students can be exposed to a different level of educational experience where they can explore a more comprehensive learning method without physical distractions. Explaining the versatility of e-learning, Uju & Agbade, 2020, p. 27) mentioned that e-learning does not only facilitate communication of information but also makes the quality of knowledge and practical skills extensive and expansive. It will provide students in Nigerian tertiary institutions with much flexibility of time and place of delivery or receipt of learning information (Smedly, 2010).
As a result of its convenience, e-learning will provide an easy avenue of delivering and receiving lectures and trainings online. The system will also allow part-time students to continue their studies at their pace. While e-learning promotes independent and active learning, it also will afford both lecturers and students twenty-four hours full access to the internet.
Conclusion
The article examined the concept of electronic learning (E-Learning) and the need to incorporate it as a strategy to sustaining the learning activities of tertiary institutions in Nigeria. It x-rayed the different e-learning strategies like Fixed E-Learning Strategy and Adaptive E-Learning Strategy and also analysed the importance of e-learning strategy in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Photo Credit: https://northpad.ng/what-is-e-learning-all-about/
References
Clover, I. (2017). What is E-Learning? www.e-learning.industry.com.
Justin, K. (2010). Conceptualising E-Learning. (Port Harcourt: Reeves Limited.
Smedley, J., K. (2010). Modelling the Impact of Knowledge Management Using Technology. OR Insight, 2(3), 233-243.
Suresh, B., G., & Sridevi, K. (2018). Importance of e-learning in Higher Education. International Journal of Research, Culture and Society, 2(5), 84-92.
Uju, E., F., & Agbade, O., P. (2020). Sustaining Learning Activities in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria amidst COVID-10 Pandemic Lockdown: The Perspective of E-Learning Strategy In: Usoro, A.D., Udofia, A.E.& Akpan, G.A. (Eds.). COVID-19 PANDEMIC: The Pendulum for Reconstruction of Instructional System in Nigeria. (Uyo: Benchmark Educational Services.
UNESCO (2012). How to Plan Distance Learning Solutions During Temporary Schools Closures. New York: UNESCO.
Wani, H. (2013). The Relevance of E-Learning in Higher Education. https:www.researchgate.net.
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