Impact Of E-Learning On Academic Performance Of Primary School Pupils In Oshimili North Local Government Area Of Delta State

Abstract

This study was carried out to ascertain the impact of e-learning on academic performance of primary school pupils in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population of the study comprised of the three thousand and twenty (3020) primary four pupils (male and female) in all the 23 public primary schools in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. Out of the 23 public primary schools in Oshimili North, 9 schools were randomly selected. In each school, one stream of primary 4 pupils was selected through balloting. A total of 135 pupils were sampled (Male and Female).  The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire, which was constructed by the researcher and validated by two experts, one in Primary Education Department and one in Educational Measurement and Evaluation. The corrections and suggestions made by the experts reflected on the final copies of the instrument. One hundred and thirty-five (135) copies of the questionnaire were administered to primary four pupils in the selected primary schools in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta by the researcher with the help of some teachers. One hundred and thirty (130) questionnaires returned and were used for analysis. Based on the analysis, the study found that e-learning technologies such as laptops, speakers, desktop computers, interactive whiteboard are available for enhancing pupils’ performance, the available e-learning technologies are accessible by teachers for enhancing pupils’ performance and use of e-learning technologies enhances pupils’ performance. On the basis of the findings, the study recommended that e-learning technologies should be made available to all primary schools in other to enhance pupils’ performance, school management should ensure that available e-learning technologies are accessible by both teachers and pupils and government through the ministry of power should ensure constant electricity supply.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

E-learning refers to a learning system that we can obtain through the internet using an electronic device. We also call it online learning or online education. The ‘E’ in E-learning stands for ‘Electronic.’ Hence, the original term ‘electronic learning.’ The term may also refer to a network that can provide knowledge and skills to one or more individuals. The network can provide the knowledge or skills either to everyone simultaneously or individually. E-learning is training provided via a computer or other digital device, allowing technology to facilitate learning anytime, anywhere.

E-learning refers to a learning system based on formalised teaching but with the help of electronic resources. While teaching can be based in or out of the classrooms, the use of computers and the Internet forms the major component of E-learning. E-learning can also be termed as a network enabled transfer of skills and knowledge, and the delivery of education is made to a large number of recipients at the               same        or       different       times.
However, with the rapid progress in technology and the advancement in learning systems, it is now embraced by the masses. The introduction of computers was the basis of this revolution and with the passage of time, as we get hooked to smartphones, tablets, etc, these devices now have an importance place in the classrooms for learning (Olaniyi, 2014). Books are gradually getting replaced by electronic educational materials like optical discs or pen drives. Knowledge can also be shared via the Internet, which is accessible 24/7, anywhere,                            anytime.
No doubt, it is equally important to take forward the concept of non-electronic teaching with the help of books and lectures, but the importance and effectiveness of technology-based learning cannot be taken lightly or ignored completely (Obed, 2016). It is believed that the human brain can easily remember and relate to what is seen and heard via moving pictures or videos. It has also been found that visuals, apart from holding the attention of the student, are also retained by the brain for longer periods. Various sectors, including agriculture, medicine, education, services, business, and government setups are adapting to the concept of E-learning which helps in the progress of a nation.

E-learning, also referred to as online learning or electronic learning, is the acquisition of knowledge which takes place through electronic technologies and media. In simple language, e-learning is defined as “learning that is enabled electronically”. Typically, e-learning is conducted on the Internet, where students can access their learning materials online at any place and time (Austin, 2015). E-Learning most often takes place in the form of online courses, online degrees, or online programs.

Online learning has numerous advantages over traditional learning methods. Some of these include the possibility for students to make use of self-paced learning and to choose their own learning environments. Additionally, e-learning is both cost-effective and cost-efficient, as it removes the geographical obstacles often associated with traditional classrooms and education.

Taking these benefits and many more into consideration, it becomes evident why the current trends in e-learning show remarkable growth for the industry.

With that being said, it must be noted that e-learning is not perfect. Conducting any of the various types of e-learning through the Internet means sacrifices in one way or another. Increased risk of cheating during assessments, social isolation, and lack of communicational skill development in online students are just some of the challenges of e-learning which need to be addressed.

Sarah (2017) defines e-learning as electronic media used for various learning purposes ranging from conventional classroom add-on functions to online substitution for face-to-face meetings with online encounters.

Robert (2016) defined E-learning as instructions delivered through digital devices with the intent of supporting learning.  Johnson (2015) defined e-learning as using information and communication technologies to for enabling access to online teaching and learning resources.  They added that e-learning as using Internet technologies for enhancing performance and knowledge.  It is a learning by utilizing electronic technologies for accessing educational curriculums outside of traditional classrooms.

In recent decades, the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for educational purposes has increased, and the spread of network technologies has caused e-learning practices to evolve significantly (Kahigi, 2018). However, any definition of e-learning must settle the issue of what is and what is not e-learning (Austin, 2015). The multiplicity of perspectives surrounding e-learning causes confusion and, sometimes, even contradictions (Obed, 2016). Not only have different concepts been attributed to e-learning, but the term has also been substituted by others, such as computer-based learning, technology-based training, and computer-based training, which actually predate the first mention of e-learning in the mid-1990s (Friesen, 2014) or the more recent online learning. Moreover, some people confuse the concept of e-learning with the concepts of a virtual campus or online courses, which can be part of the e-learning universe but do not sufficiently define it. The evolution of distance education, as a result of new technologies and the contributions of computer scientists to the field of education along with the conceptualization of education as a lifelong process, poses a major challenge for educational institutions: how to integrate these technologies into their organization and, especially, into their teaching. From simple occasional use of ICT to reinforce face-to-face teaching and learning to the use of virtual environments for courses conducted completely online according to a variety of educational models, the incorporation of ICT into the learning process is being achieved from very different perspectives and through an extensive range of formulas, albeit with one common denominator: the use of practices whose origin and pedagogical foundations lie in distance education. The discussion of the definition and practices of e-learning focuses on the intersection of education, teaching, and learning with ICT (Friesen, 2014). It is undoubtedly preceded by two other disciplines: educational technology and distance education. Both have significantly contributed to the intensive use of ICT for educational purposes, but neither can be strictly equated with e-learning. E-learning could also be considered a natural evolution of distance learning, which has always taken advantage of the latest tools to emerge in the context of technologies for structuring education. No doubt, e-learning has proven to be one of the best ways to prove teaching and learning. Hence the need to ascertain the impact of e-learning on academic performance of primary school pupils.

Statement of the Problem

Education is seen as a continuous process of imparting knowledge into an individual to enable him or her become useful to himself or herself. This requires a consistent system where transfer of knowledge will be continuous without any form of hindrance. However, the one-on-one teaching and learning seem to be hindered or affected by certain factors such as closedown of school as a result of outbreak of diseases and insecurity. For example, when the cases of corona virus increased, the government was left with no option but to lockdown the country for some months which greatly affected educational system.

The child seems to forget things learnt when not used for long time. When children are left out of school for a long period of time, it affects their academic performance. The only way forward is to introduce a system such as electronic learning where the children can learn without necessarily going to the school or having to meet one-on-one.

It is against the light of the above that this study is carried out to ascertain the impact of e-learning on academic performance of primary school pupils in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of the study is to ascertain the impact of e-learning on academic performance of primary school pupils in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. Specifically, the study is aimed at ascertaining:

1. Kinds of E-learning technologies Available for enhancing pupils’ performance in Oshimili North.
2. Accessibility of the E-learning technologies for enhancing pupils’ performance in Oshimili North.
3. Impact of the use of e-learning on pupil’s academic performance in Oshimili North.
4. Challenges on the use of e-learning technologies for enhancing pupils performance in Oshimili North.

Research Questions

To effectively carryout the study, the following questions were raised:

1. What are the E-learning technologies Available for enhancing pupils’ performance in Oshimili North?
2. How accessible the available E-learning technologies for enhancing pupils’ performance in Oshimili North?
3. What are the impact of the use of e-learning on pupil’s academic performance in Oshimili North?
4. What are the challenges on the use of e-learning technologies for enhancing pupils performance in Oshimili North.

Significance of the Study

The study would be of benefit to pupils, teachers, government, researchers and the field of primary education.

The findings of the study would be beneficial to the pupils because it will enable them to understand the impact of e-learning in their academic performance which will help them to develop interest in using the e-learning platform.

It would also go a long way in helping the teachers to understand how e-learning contribute to the academic performance of pupils and the challenges of using e-learning at the primary school level. This will enable them work together with the relevant government agencies to ensure that the use of e-learning is made compulsory at the primary school level of education.

The findings of the study would also be a wake-up call to the government on the impact of e-learning on pupils’ academic performance and the challenges faced in using the platform. This will enable the government through the ministry of basic education to look for ways to tackle the challenges for the effective use of e-learning at the primary school level.

Finally, the study would add to the existing literature in the field of primary education which will also serve a refence material to researchers who may wish to carry out related study in this field.

Scope of the Study

This study is delimited to the impact of e-learning on academic performance of primary school pupils in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. With particular emphasis on the kinds of e-learning technologies, accessibility of the technologies, impact of the use of the technologies and the challenges on the use of e-learning technologies in primary schools.

Pages:  50

Category: Project

Format:  Word & PDF               

Chapters: 1-5                                          

Source: Imsuinfo                                     

Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.