1.1 Introduction
Moodle (Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment) is basically an Open Source e-learning platform. Moodle is a Course Management System (CMS) - a software package designed to help educators to create quality online courses. Electronic Learning is a system designed to help students gain access and acquire knowledge in any Institution of their choice. It can include: Enhance face –to- face instruction, enhanced distance education (on or off campus) individuals and group learning with both print and computer-based materials instruction entirely on- line because of this mix Electronic Learning and text based e- learning knowledge is moving towards every student being an e- learner at last for part of their study, whether through learning materials, e-mail for contacting teachers/ tutors or any one of their myriad other e-learning applications. Electronic Learning results to learning and other supportive resources that are available through a computer and it includes computer based training, computer based instruction and technology.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment (MOODLE) is an open-course management system that is also known as an LMS. MOODLE was introduced to assist lecturers in creating online courses that focus on interaction and collaboration, with the first version of MOODLE being released in August 2002 (Parathnandh et al., 2014). According to Costello (2013), MOODLE was started by a computer science graduate, Martin Dougiamas, in a computer server room of an Australian university in 1999. Ever since the first version of MOODLE was released, its source code has been available and open to anyone.
The MOODLE platform is a type of e-learning platform used in the teaching process (Ianos et al., 2014). According to Coll and Treagust (Coll et al., 2018), MOODLE gives students significant scope for independence, which in turn promotes learning, social interaction and the social construction of knowledge. Students’ learning outcomes can be achieved through integrated learning using MOODLE (Coll et al., 2018). MOODLE is available on Andriod and iOs platforms (Sarrab et al., 2015).
E-Learning resources is not important than how much resources you have, than how feasible they are, in other words, resources should be readily accessible to all. Before the development of computer and internet technology, printed version of resources like books, journals, encyclopaedia, dictionaries, work books, and the likes played significant roles in learning process. Usually, these printed versions are not easily accessible to all and are also expensive in nature. For example, if two students want to refer to a particular book simultaneously, two separate copies of the same book must be needed in the library. Instead of having the printed version of the book, if we have electronic or e-version of the book, the same book can be easily accessed simultaneously by many and also can be accessed from their drawing room with the help of a personal computer. In this computer age, e-version of books, journals, etc or e-resources in general have become inevitable and hence it is very much needed to convert the printed version into e-version for future needs.
Consequently, the teaching and learning practices of Nigeria are undergoing a shift from the old methods to extensive usage of e-learning resources. However, little or no efforts have been recorded in the identification of influence and impact of e-learning on academic performance of student in tertiary institutions. As the use of e-learning is becoming more and more widespread in higher education it has become increasingly important to examine the impact that this learning style has on student’s performance.
Therefore, this study was designed to assess the use of E-learning Platform (Moodle) for Teaching and Learning in the University of Jos.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the effective participation in Electronic Learning requires robust hardware and a broad band internet connection. Some classrooms or computer labs may not have computers that meet the minimum or recommended specification for optimal use of virtual world (Stacy & Liz, 2008).
Students at times generate problems for themselves by enrolling on online classes without an e-mail address or account with an internet service. This means that they cannot assess information for Electronic Learning consumption. Consequently, they cannot achieve their objectives of effective learning.
Several research works have been carried out on academic performance especially on students, but not much on e-learning students within the Nigerian educational system. There seems to be any study that focuses on the assessment of the use of E-learning Platform (Moodle) for Teaching and Learning in the University of Jos.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to investigate the student access to e-learning resources and their academic achievement in college of education. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To examine the prevalence of e-learning platform (Moodle) for teaching and learning among the students of University of Jos;
- To survey the reasons for the use of e-learning platform (Moodle) for teaching and learning among the students of University of Jos; and
- To establish the prevailing factors that affect e-learning platform (Moodle) for teaching and learning among the students of University of Jos
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the prevalence of e-learning platform (Moodle) for teaching and learning among the students of University of Jos?
- What are the prevailing factors that affect e-learning platform (Moodle) for teaching and learning among the students of University of Jos?
- What are the reasons for the use of e-learning platform (Moodle) for teaching and learning among the students of University of Jos?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between e-learning platform (Moodle) and student’s academic performance
- H1: There is a significant relationship between e-learning platform (Moodle) and student’s academic performance
Hypothesis Two
- H0: There are no significant factors affecting e-learning platform (Moodle) for teaching and learning among the students of University of Jos
- H1: There are significant factors affecting e-learning platform (Moodle) for teaching and learning among the students of University of Jos
1.7 Significance of Study
This study sought to investigate the Assessment of the use of E-learning Platform (Moodle) for Teaching and Learning in the University of Jos in college of education. The study would provide knowledge and guidelines to that may be of help to policymakers. The research is therefore of importance for planners, and other social scientists. Finally, this study provides an input to the students, teachers and researchers in the areas of e-learning.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Assessment of the use of E-learning Platform (Moodle) for Teaching and Learning in the University of Jos. This study will cover undergraduate students of University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.10 Definition of Terms
The following terms were used in the course of this study:
E–Learning: it is an acronym of electronic learning it is an aspect of Electronic Learning that is concerned with sharing of knowledge electronically by use of text video, web or any other IT tools.
Moodle: It is an acronym for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment is basically an Open Source e-learning platform.
