1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
The era of the teacher being a reservoir of knowledge has past. The world is moving at a jet speed as a result of advancement in technology. More, importantly, technology entails information and communication which can be defined as the handling and processing of information (texts, images, graphs, instruction etc) for use by means of electronic and communication devices such as computer, cameras, telephones, etc (Ozoji cited in Oleabhiele, 2015).
E-learning, often referred to as web-based or online learning, is currently a fast growing educational tool in the developed world. It involves all teaching and assessment approaches that use technology such as Wikis, Blogs, Podcasts and learning management systems such as computers, internet and web connectivity to enhance learning experience and research works (Mahahusudhan, 2008; Nadiu, 2006). This new teaching and learning approach offer potential values to traditional teaching and learning approach due to its flexibility and accessibility of information to a great number of students at a time (Naqvi, 2007).
E-learning also provides easy access to any type of information required for academic purpose through the use of internet facilities such as World Wide Web (www) based technologies and other softwares. Nkanga (2007) indicated that e-learning is a computer supported collaborative learning process that deploys the technology of computer as its main platform for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and enables both students and teachers to generate, advance and share knowledge in a more common form. Apparently, e-learning is the only promising option for effective dissemination and collection of information which can successfully accommodate the ever-growing need for access to knowledge, equity and quality of education in Nigeria.
E-learning according to Markus (2008) can be defined as a learning process created by interaction with digitally delivered content, network-based services and tutoring support E -learning is any technologically mediated learning using computers whether from a distance or in face to face classroom setting (computer assisted learning), it is a shift from traditional education or training to ICT-based personalized, flexible, individual, self-organized, collaborative learning based on a community of learners, teachers, facilitators, experts.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Impact of E-learning on Academic Performance of Senior Secondary School Students in Government.
1.2 Statement of Problem
One of the major problems faced by students in learning government is inability to remember what has been learnt. This problem is often caused by too much theoretical expression by the teachers while learners are passive listeners. Students memorize and regurgitate facts and concepts. These problems confronting the teaching and learning of government can be handled using slide presentations, audio-video presentation process and other interactive ICT software facilities in which a student interacts with and is guided by visual equipment aimed at achieving certain instructional goals.
Several studies have been carried out on academic performance especially on conventional students, but not much on e-learning students within the Nigeria educational system. The need to sever this ground so as to extend the frontier of knowledge in order to help improve the unimpressive e-learners’ academic performance necessitates and serves as the motivating factor for undertaking the present piece of research so as to fill the existing important research gap. Therefore, this research seeks to examine the impact of e-learning on academic performance of senior secondary school students in government.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to scrutinize the Impact of E-learning on Academic Performance of Senior Secondary School Students in Government. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To investigate the relationship between e-learning and students academic performance.
- To determine the effect of audio-visual teaching aid on students academic outcomes.
- To determine if the use of ICT enhances students’ learning in government as a school subject.
- To identify current challenges to students’ academic performance in government.
1.4 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 relationship between e-learning and students academic performance?
- Does the use of audio-visual teaching aid has any effect on students academic outcomes?
- To what extent does the use of ICT enhance students’ learning outcomes in government?
1.5 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 and students’ academic performance.
- H1: There is significant relationship between e-learning and students’ academic performance.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: The use of audio-visual teaching aid has no effect on students’ academic outcomes.
- H1: The use of audio-visual teaching aid has effect on students’ academic outcomes.
Hypothesis Three
- H0: There is no significant relationship between the use of ICT and students’ learning outcomes in government.
- H1: There is significant relationship between the use of ICT and students’ learning outcomes in government.
1.6 Significance of Study
The findings of the study will be of immense benefit to the students, teachers, education shake holders, the government philanthropists.
E-Learning is of great important to teachers and students of Government; this is because from this research, they will able to ascertain the important of information and communication in teaching and learning.
Secondly, this work will be of great important to educational stakeholders. This is because from the research they will be able to know the plight of the student and therefore work out modalities to solve the problems.
Thirdly, this work will be of great important to the government through the ministry of education they would be able to ascertain the course of poor performance of the student of business education and work out modalities to solve the problems.
Finally, the findings would be useful to curriculum planners. Curriculum planners who would wish to resolve the issue of the availability and utilization ICT instructional materials may have cause to know the true situation and properly restructure business education programme curriculum to take care of inadequacies. Curriculum planners would be more objective when the findings are taken to consideration.
1.7 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Impact of E-learning on Academic Performance of Senior Secondary School Students in Government using Ekiti State Senior Secondary School Students as a case study.
1.8 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).
1.9 Definition of Terms
ICT: Refers to all forms of technologies such as internet, computers, websites, telephones mobiles, wireless devices, networks, hardware, software and telecommunication equipment.
ICT Facilities: Are a technological device used to processing, analyzing, synthesizing, sharing different kinds of information and information processing activities and tools that are necessary to improve teaching and learning process.
Types of ICT materials: Those includes any communication device or application, encompassing: computers, LCD projectors, printers, photocopy machines, duplication, fax, and scanning machines, radio, television, cellular phones, hardware and software, satellite systems, as well as video conferencing internet access and other facilities that ensures student’s learning.
Amount of ICT materials: Are the quantity or number of ICT materials and that are found in the schools to enhance teaching and learning process.
Utilization of ICT materials: Refers to using different types of ICT facilities in classroom and in different educational settings for the purpose of teaching and learning process.
