Analysis of Electronic Learning Facilities Utilization among Agricultural Students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Abia State, Nigeria

Subject Areas : Agricultural Education

Chioma  Nwaobiala ¹ (Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Abia State, Nigeria.)
O.O  Ekumankama ² (Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Abia State, Nigeria.)
E. M  Nwagbara ³ (Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Abia State, Nigeria.)

Received: 2016-03-30 Accepted : 2016-07-22 Published : 2015-09-01

Keywords: Students, utilization, Electronic Learning, Facilities,

Abstract :

This study investigated utilization of electronic learning facilities among Agricultural students in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. One hundred and twenty (120) students undergoing training in different agricultural courses in the university were randomly selected. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, mean, percentages and inferential statistics (Probit regression analysis). The result reveals that majority (84.17%) of the respondents were competent in the use of internets, had low access ( = 1.89) to these electronic learning facilities and utilized them in on-line registration of courses ( =3.70), learning/ studying ( = 4.30), assignments ( = 3.30), seminar presentation ( =4.70), project writing and sending messages ( = 4.20) and receiving messages ( = 4.10). The probit estimates of the determinants of utilization of electronic leaning facilities among agricultural students of the university showed that coefficients of study habit, competency in computer application, aptitude and education were positive and significant at different levels of probability, while age was negative. Problems of poor network, power failure and preference of usage hindered the use of these electronic learning facilities by students of the university. The study therefore recommended adequate provision of electronic learning facilities in the university, training and cost reduction in the use of these facilities among students of the university.

References:

1)       Akuchie, R. (2008). Electronic Learning in Higher Education. A Case study of Nigeria Universities. Presented at the First International Conference on Information Technology University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.

2)       Association of African Universities (AAU) (2000). Guidelines for Institutional Self Assessment of ICT Maturity in Africa Universities. 19(1): 24.

3)       Bassey, U. U. (2007). Nigerian Graduating Students Access to E-Learning Technology; Implications for Higher Education Management. A Paper Presented at the Sixth International Education Conference,September 2-4 Ramses Hilton, Cairo, Egypt.

4)       Community of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) (2005). Defining Information Literacy for the United Kingdom. Information and Library Update January/ February 4 (1& 2) : 23.

5)       Eteng, U and Ntui, I. A. (2009). Access to Electronic Learning in the Nigeria University System (NUS). A Case Study of University of Calabar. The information Technologist.International Journal of Communication Technology,6(2): l-10.

6)       Madu, C. and Pam. A. (2011). Learning Electronically in Nigerian Universities. The Example of Federal University of Technology Minna,Nigeria. Journal of Emerging Trends in Computing and Information Sciences,2(12): 696-700.

7)       Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU). (2014). Academic Planning Unit. Population Data of 2012-2013. Academic Sessions.

8)       Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) (2005). Electronic Learning; the Partnership Challenge Paris, France Pp. 114.

9)       Sam, N. (2011). Electronic Learning to Redefine Nigerian Educational Sector. New Edge Publishers: 12-31.

10)   Shockley, D. (2013). Implementing Electronic Learning and “How to’’ Guide. E-Magazine - February, 2:7