Curbing Covid-19 Through the Use of New Technologies in Teaching and Learning in Nigeria
CHAPTER ONE
Objectives of Study
The main aim of the study is to examine the effect of Distance learning technologies on the COVID-19 pandemic in teaching and learning, other objectives that were raised in line with research questions are as follows:
- to determine how online teaching affects social distancing in teaching and learning;
- to highlight the effect of social media on the importation of COVID-19 in teaching and learning,
- to examine the impact of video conferencing on the physical contact spread of COVID-19 in teaching and learning
- to test the effect of internet usage on community spread of COVID-19 in teaching and learning.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Overview of Coronavirus Disease
Coronavirus Disease is a contagious disease that first emerged in Wuhan, China in 2019. It was later coded “COVID-19” by the W.H.O which stands for Coronavirus Disease 2019. The Coronavirus outbreak remains one of the worst global pandemics for decades. The mortality rate soared and the easy of spread was upsetting. Research shows that older people and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer were more likely to develop serious illnesses from coronavirus (W.H.O, 2020). Some of the symptoms of Coronavirus include; Sore throat, runny nose, constant coughing/sneezing, breathing difficulty and fatigue.
As at the time of this study, there were no reliable treatments for Coronavirus, but a series of researches were in the pipeline across the world towards finding a clinical vaccine for the contagion. However, recent events show that behavioural change can help contain the spread of coronavirus. Some of the suggested measures to halt the coronavirus pandemic include; improved individual habits such as personal hygiene, including constant washing of hands with alcohol-based sanitizers, good respiratory attitude (close coughing and sneezing), and other personal protection practices like wearing of face mask, social distancing, avoiding touching of the face, and reducing contacts with people through self-isolation at home or avoiding nonessential travels or gatherings. Coronavirus is a global problem that requires more action coordination and global cooperation to successfully contain the outbreak and to deal with its aftermath effects. Consequently, the United Nations appealed for 2 billion dollars to support global response efforts towards tackling the coronavirus pandemic. The consequences of COVID-19 could be more severe; if people do not comply or adhere strictly to public health regulations and advice.
Global Responses to Coronavirus Pandemic
A proactive response is critical to the containment of any disease outbreak, but the coronavirus took the world by surprise and most countries were not prepared initially for the pandemic, including the world powers. Shortly after the outbreak of COVID-19, the World Health Organization (W.H.O) issued guidelines and updates on how to mitigate the spread of the pandemic, and thereafter, many countries adopted different measures in addition to the W.H.O guidelines to contain the spread of the disease. There were lockdowns in most parts of the world, and people were asked to work from home. Some countries even deployed their military to enforce coronavirus restrictions, and to reduce the number of covidiots. There were increased demands for health equipment including, protective gowns, sanitizers, face masks and hand gloves. Countries like the United States and the U.K also opened their visitation doors for medical professionals such as doctors and nurses who were working or willing to treat the effects of COVID-19. Also, large gatherings and sporting activities were suspended at both local and international levels. Big sporting events like the prestigious European Champions League games were played behind closed doors before they were suspended. Global responses to Coronavirus pandemic were varied from country to country, but most countries endorsed the closure of school strategy as a means to contain the spread of COVID-19. Some selected COVID-19 responses across the world particularly as it relates to the closure of schools due to Coronavirus.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
This section presents Methodology used in the study. It is presented under; Research Design, Target population, Sample Size, Sampling Technique and, Research Instruments, Validity of Research instruments, Reliability of Research instruments, Data collection procedures and Data Analysis Techniques.
Research Design
This study used a descriptive survey research design. In using this design, data collection was carried out in a structured process. Kumar (2005) argues that the goal of descriptive research is to describe the characteristics of a selected phenomenon and involves the collection of data without manipulation of variables. The sole purpose of descriptive research is to provide an accurate and valid representation of the factors or variables that are relevant to the research question. Descriptive survey research is helpful in indicating trends in attitudes and behaviors, and enables generalization of the findings of the research study to be done.
Neuman, (2000). This design is appropriate for this study because it will enhance the amount of quality information.
Sources of Data
The data for this study were generated from two main sources; Primary sources and secondary sources. The primary sources include questionnaire, interviews and observation. The secondary sources include journals, bulletins, textbooks and the internet.
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND ANALYSIS
Demographic Information of Respondents
The model summary results above show the relationship between online Teaching and social distancing, depicted by the regression coefficient (R) Value is .732 (73.2%). This means that there is a strong relationship between the two variables. Also, as indicated by the table, the variations in social distancing as a result of online teaching are indicated by R-Square value of 600 (60.0%). This implies that about 60% variation in social distancing is explained by online education. The remaining 40% is accounted for by other factors not captured by this study.
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
In line with the findings, the paper finds online teaching has a significant effect on social distancing. Nowadays, there is continuous and ever-increasing demand by customers for the use of remote activities to curb the spread of COVID-19. This is because stakeholders are increasingly becoming aware of the benefits of distance learning technologies in the educational sector. There are significant benefits of using social media in curbing COVID-19 entering the Nigerian Universities. Therefore, the use of social media is crucial for learning. Universities should encourage their actual usage in schools and discourage fake news that is usually associated with the use of social media. We’ve also encountered problems in applying video conference to curb physical contact spread of COVID-19 in teaching and learning. Some of these challenges are identified, such as inadequate electric power supply, poor network services from internet providers, lack of support to teachers in buying top-up and insecurity because of internet fraudsters. There are prospects of Internet usage as a strategy for curbing the spread of COVID- 19 in teaching and learning. Evidence from many researchers has shown that the use of internet usage in teaching and learning is capable of controlling the community spread of COVID-19. There is a strong and significant positive relationship between the Distance learning technologies and the spread of COVID-19; such that a 63.2% increase in Distance learning technologies will automatically lead to a 63.2% increase in curbing the spread of COVID-19.
The study establishes that modern technologies has been significantly helpful in managing teaching and learning in schools. COVID-19 has major effects on school characteristics, including research, academic programmes, Staff professional development and jobs in the academic sector etc. These effects were felt by both educational institutions, educators, students and parents and other stakeholders in education. The study emphasizes the need for adoption of technology in education, as a way to curb the effects of Coronavirus and other future pandemics in education. Thus, the study acknowledges that the decision to shutdown schools for Coronavirus across the world may be hurtful, but it is sensible considering the rate of spread, and the dangers imposed by COVID-19 pandemic. The unprecedented school closures for Coronavirus remains a lesson and a warning to the entire educational world particularly those who are yet to embrace or adopt emerging learning technologies that support online or remote education. Stakeholders in the education sector have to develop robust strategies to deal with post-Coronavirus era.
The paper recommends that Nigerian Universities should adopt online Teaching as an alternative to traditional teaching. This would enable a smooth process of academic schooling in case of any future disease outbreak. The use of Social media should be encouraged in all academic circles in Nigeria, from primary to Tertiary education to overcome coronavirus and other future disease outbreak in the country. All Nigerian Schools from primary to Tertiary must be ICT compliant to promote distance learning technologies. University Management should motivate their lectures by paying them to stipend for a top-up, regular training on the use of ICT tools and ensure adequate electric power supply to avoid all interruptions in online classes. Ministry of education should make sure that only ICT compliance Institutions should be given the licence to operate in Nigeria. This would help the use of distance learning technologies in all the learning Institutions in Nigeria. They are thereby reducing the spread of COVID-19 and any other disease that might surface in the future. Nigerian Government should make sure that there is an uninterrupted electric power supply nationwide to enable distance learning technologies to be efficient and effective.
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