Proceedings of The 6th International Academic Conference on Education
Year: 2023
DOI:
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Challenges Of Affordability And Stability Of Internet Access For Teaching/Learning For Open And Distance Learning In South West, Nigeria
Oni Margaret Bola
ABSTRACT:
This study examined the challenges of affordability and stability of internet access in teaching/learning process for Open and Distance Learning in South West, Nigeria. The research was specifically was conducted in University of Lagos and Olabisi Onabanjo Univeristy, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, which were purposively selected. Descriptive survey was employed with the population of the study put at 4,075 students, comprising those in 2nd year to final year of the Open and Distance Learning Centres. Simple random sampling (using Yamane’s formular) was used to select a sample of four hundred and two (402) students, with two hundred and one (201) students per institution. Two (2) checklists and one (1) perception rating scale was used for data collection. Data collected were analysed using percentages, mean scores, and content analysis. The findings showed that, majority (57%) of the respondent did not own basic ICT tools like laptop computer, iPad, desktop computer, and printer in the areas studied. Only 43% were found to own the tools like smartphones, modem (which many said their smartphones serve as a hotspot), and email account. It was concluded that affordability and stability of internet access has posed challenges for teaching/learning for Open and Distance Learning in South West, Nigeria. It is recommended that the government should make rules that will compel service providers to upgrade and again, there is need to subsidise ICT tools to make it affordable for the students.
keywords: ICT, internet connectivity, distance learning, ICT Tools