Perception of Distance Learning Student on the Influence of Online Interaction (E-learn) on Their Academic Performance
CHAPTER ONE
Objectives of the Study
The main objective of this study is to investigate the perception of distance learning students on the influence of online interaction on their academic performance of distance learning students of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. However, the specific objectives are:
i) To find out the relationship between distance learning students of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria’s engagement in online interaction and their academic performance
ii) To examine the effects of online interaction on distance learning students of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
iii)To determine the challenges faced by distance learning students of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, on online interaction and its effects on their academic performance
iv) To proffer solutions to the challenges faced by distance learning students of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, on online interaction on how it will enhance their better academic performance
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Origins of Online Education
Computer-assisted instruction is changing the pedagogical landscape as an increasing number of students are seeking online education. Colleges and universities are now touting the efficiencies of Web-based education and are rapidly implementing online classes to meet student needs worldwide. One study reported “increases in the number of online courses given by universities have been quite dramatic over the last couple of years” (Lundberg et al., 2008). Think tanks are also disseminating statistics on Web-based instruction. “In 2010, the Sloan Consortium found a 17% increase in online students from the years before, beating the 12% increase from the previous year” (Keramidas, 2012).
Contrary to popular belief, online education is not a new phenomenon. The first correspondence and distance learning educational programs were initiated in the mid-1800s by the University of London. This model of educational learning was dependent on the postal service and therefore wasn’t seen in American until the later Nineteenth century. It was in 1873 when what is considered the first official correspondence educational program was established in Boston, Massachusetts known as the “Society to Encourage Home Studies.” Since then, non-traditional study has grown into what it is today considered a more viable online instructional modality. Technological advancement indubitably helped improve the speed and accessibility of distance learning courses; now students worldwide could attend classes from the comfort of their own homes
Qualities of Online and Traditional Face to Face (F2F) Classroom Education
Online and traditional education share many qualities. Students are still required to attend class, learn the material, submit assignments, and complete group projects. While teachers, still have to design curriculums, maximize instructional quality, answer class questions, motivate students to learn, and grade assignments. Despite these basic similarities, there are many differences between the two modalities. Traditionally, classroom instruction is known to be teacher-centered and requires passive learning by the student, while online instruction is often student-centered and requires active learning.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research design
The researcher used descriptive research survey design in building up this project work the choice of this research design was considered appropriate because of its advantages of identifying attributes of a large population from a group of individuals. The design was suitable for the study as the study sought Perception of Distance learning student on the influence of online interaction (E-learn) on their academic performance
Sources of data collection
Data were collected from two main sources namely:
(i)Primary source and
(ii)Secondary source
Primary source:
These are materials of statistical investigation which were collected by the research for a particular purpose. They can be obtained through a survey, observation questionnaire or as experiment; the researcher has adopted the questionnaire method for this study.
Secondary source:
These are data from textbook Journal handset etc. they arise as byproducts of the same other purposes. Example administration, various other unpublished works and write ups were also used.
Population of the study
Population of a study is a group of persons or aggregate items, things the researcher is interested in getting information Perception of Distance learning student on the influence of online interaction (E-learn) on their academic performance. 200 students of students of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State were selected randomly by the researcher as the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION ANALYSIS INTERPRETATION OF DATA
Introduction
Efforts will be made at this stage to present, analyze and interpret the data collected during the field survey. This presentation will be based on the responses from the completed questionnaires. The result of this exercise will be summarized in tabular forms for easy references and analysis. It will also show answers to questions relating to the research questions for this research study. The researcher employed simple percentage in the analysis.
DATA ANALYSIS
The data collected from the respondents were analyzed in tabular form with simple percentage for easy understanding.
A total of 133(one hundred and thirty three) questionnaires were distributed and 133 questionnaires were returned.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain Perception of Distance learning student on the influence of online interaction (E-learn) on their academic performance. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing challenges of distance learning student on the influence of online interaction (E-learn) on their academic performance
Summary
This study was on Perception of Distance learning student on the influence of online interaction (E-learn) on their academic performance. Five objectives were raised which included: To find out the relationship between distance learning students of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria’s engagement in online interaction and their academic performance, to examine the effects of online interaction on distance learning students of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, to determine the challenges faced by distance learning students of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, on online interaction and its effects on their academic performance and to proffer solutions to the challenges faced by distance learning students of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, on online interaction on how it will enhance their better academic performance. In line with these objectives, two research hypotheses were formulated and two null hypotheses were posited. The total population for the study is 200 students of students of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 133 respondents made final year students, year 4 students, year 3 students and year 2 students were used for the study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies
Conclusion
Our research indicates that students perceive that online learning has a significant relative advantage to traditional methodologies. These advantages include saving them time, fitting in better with their schedules, and enabling students to take more courses. They do not believe that they learn more in online learning courses and have concerns related to being able to contribute to class discussions. Interestingly, the students seem to be ambiguous when comparing online learning to traditional methodologies. They prefer traditional courses to online learning courses although they want more online learning courses. Students seem to have much more negative beliefs about distance learning than online learning. Generally, students do not perceive that distance is as effective as traditional methodologies. The only perceived benefit of distance learning is that of working well with their schedules.
Recommendation
The self-paced-learning as well as the option to choose the time and location on their own is an important factor for the usage of e-learning
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