Journal of Educational Research and Development; Vol.5 No.

1 March 2022; ISSN (Print):

2682-5201; pg.19 – 24

E-LEARNING AS AN EFFECTIVE METHOD OF EDUCATION

DELIVERY IN NIGERIA

OKAFOR, CHINONYELUM PEACE

Department of Educational Foundation, Faculty of Education
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus.

Abstract
The history of e-learning shows that it has been a transiting concept over the years. It has proved
to be a reliable source of teaching and learning. Globally, nations have been greatly influenced by
the multiplicity of its roles in education. It has impacted the way we teach and learn and Nigeria
should not be left out. This paper takes a cursory look at the concept of e-learning as an educational
tool. The various types of e-learning were extensively discussed and blended learning was
identified as suitable for Nigerian schools. The paper concluded that e-learning, as an integral
part of the learning process, should be blended with face to face teaching method. This paper
recommended that government should subsidize the cost of laptops for students, enabling them
acquire one. In addition, government should also provide constant supply of electricity and internet
connectivity both in urban and rural areas. The Ministry of Education should provide continuous
training and retraining programs for teachers on how to use the various e-learning software.

Keywords: E-learning, Effective Teaching Method, Information Communication Technology.

E-learning as a concept has become a platform for meeting the needs of many learners all
over the globe. The demand for this platform came as a result of the desire to make
education available to diverse learners. The origin of e learning can be traced as far back
as the 19thcentury with the use of correspondence by Isaac Pitman to teach his pupils
shorthand. Later, in 1924, Professor Sidney Pressey invented the testing machine.
Consequently, in 1954, a Harvard professor Skinner invented the “teaching machine”
which enabled schools to administer programmed instruction to their students. In the 20th
century, the arrival of computer and the internet brought about the digital world and global
village. The internet is a global wide area network that connects computer systems across
the world using high bandwidth data lines (Christensson, 2015). This system has changed
the world so much so that most people prefer it as a major means of everyday
communication (Dentzel, 2014) it is fast, convenient and has available instant messaging
tools and social networking sites. Immense quantity of information are uploaded and
downloaded over the internet which can be used to solve virtually any problem. In the area
of education, it has provided boundless possibilities for learning such as Google classroom,
Moodle, Edmodo and many more. Today, the internet can be used to access libraries,
encyclopedias, art galleries, news archives, as well as research from anywhere in the world
(Dentzel, 2014). It is important to say that information and communication technology is
the backbone of eLearning. Without ICT, e-learning will become a complete fiasco, hence
as ICT keeps advancing, e-learning will also advance, becoming more practicable in

19
Journal of Educational Research and Development; Vol.5 No.1 March 2022; ISSN (Print):
2682-5201; pg.19 – 24

schools and providing lifelong learning. The purpose of this study is to justify the need for
e- learning in the Nigerian Educational system.

E-learning is defined as the use of ICT to deliver the content of a course. It brings learning
experiences and resources right from a website to your desk (Northedge, 2008). It is also
defined as technology mediated and digitally empowered learning that utilizes hardware
such as tablets, printers, PCs, digital camera, digital videos, scanners, overhead projector,
(OHP, and OHP screen) USB drives, CD-ROM, to empower teacher to student interaction.
(Eze et al, 2018). This concept has vitalized our educational delivery method through vast
arrays of learning resources such as ICT tools, quizzes, games, mind maps, interactive
worksheets and online instructional videos, and is still advancing.

Many nations of the world have felt the impact of e-learning one way or the other. Countries
such as United States, United Kingdom, China and India have established e-learning
programs and even offer online degrees in their universities. According to research, the
growth of online enrollments has increased tremendously in United States with online
enrollment higher than students taking face to face classes (Seaman &seaman as cited in
Palv, 2018). The cause of this growth has been noted by researchers, to be the flexible
nature of online programs which makes it possible for one to learn at ones’ pace. Bastrikin
(2020) noted that a lot of Americans enroll in online classes where fulltime enrolment in a
traditional classroom is not possible. This means that some courses in America are strictly
online while some are in a face to face classroom.
In India, the government launched platforms such as Digital India and Skill India to help
spread digital literacy among the populace. Ghana is known to be one of the most e-learning
progressive countries in Africa with better access to internet at the disposal of its
citizens.(Kotuaa et al as cited in Palv, 2018).

In Nigeria, the case is different. This is vividly portrayed in what happened at the onset of
the COVID 19 pandemic in Nigeria. Schools were closed to avoid massive transmission of
the disease, with no provision for learning to continue. While their counterparts in the
Western part of the world continued their education online, most schools in Nigeria
especially public owned schools could not learn. Why? No provision for e-learning! This
was confirmed by the statement made by Professor Ogunyemi, the president of ASUU on
the claim by some private universities that they were learning online, “what is defined as
e-learning in Nigeria today is shallow; it doesn’t reflect the state of infrastructure; it does
not reflect the demands of e-learning” ( Idris, 2020). According to Ajadi et al, (2008), the
e-learning adopted in Nigeria is in form of lecture note on CD-ROM which can be played
as at when the learners desires. It is quite evident that true eLearning is more than lecture
note on CD-ROM. Mahmoud (2008) noted that CD-ROM does not rule out the
complimentary use of the internet, according to the researcher it can be used to augment e-
learning .In a study conducted by Anan & Kainat (2020) on online learning amid the Covid-
19: A students’ perspective. They discovered that online learning is not effective in
underdeveloped countries such as Pakistan because of the inability of majority of the
students to access the internet. In another study by Anene, Imam & Odumuh (2014) on the
problems and prospects of e-learning in Nigeria. They discovered that most universities in
Nigeria do not have e-learning library domain and lacked ICT facilities. The reasons given
for the various problems were cost and unawareness of the benefit of e-learning by students
20
Journal of Educational Research and Development; Vol.5 No.1 March 2022; ISSN (Print):
2682-5201; pg.19 – 24

and lecturers. E-learning is actually a cost effective activity when properly managed.
Nigeria being a developing country with many underlying issues should opt for an e-
learning platform that will be available and accessible.

The need for e-learning in Nigeria

Nigeria is a country with high level of uneducated people. According to the former minister
of education, Adamu Adamu, 30% of Nigerian population cannot read or write. This
according to him will hamper Nigerians aspiration to achieve National development
(Adedigba, 2017).One of the reasons for this level of illiteracy is low socio economic status
of many Nigerian citizens. However, e-learning can be introduced as a means of meeting
the needs of millions of Nigerians who cannot afford to go to a face to face school; those
whose occupation could not allow them to enroll in a traditional school and those whom
early marriage prevented from going to school. Below are the importance of e-learning to
education.
 It provides more active learning classes: In e-learning, students are given the
opportunity to learn with images and virtual animations. This keeps them engaged
and involved, eliminating boredom and frustrations. It is also noted that e-learning
fosters interaction between students and content, other students, teachers and
outside experts (Alghamdi, 2013). This interaction helps to expand students’
knowledge and put them at the center of learning.
 Diversified teaching methods: E-learning encourages the use of diverse teaching
methods in explaining concepts. For instance, in the teaching of the development of
a baby from fertilization to maturity; a teacher with the use of virtual animation,
engages students through discussion, questioning and exposition of the concepts.
This process brings about students’ involvement and concrete attention on learning.
 Flexibility: E-learning gives students the opportunity to study at their own pace. It
is flexible in the sense that students can decide to spread eagle their learning over a
period of time or undertake it at once. The flexibility of e-learning helps to
accommodate diverse learners’ interest.
 Reduce cost: E-learning provides education at a lower cost than any other form of
teaching delivery. It reduces the cost of transportation since it can be done from
anywhere at any time. It completely eliminates the cost of books as it uses only
software copies, also school fees are highly reduced. Learners can attend the
teaching sessions right from their home or place of work. This gives them the
opportunity to do so many things at the same time. Through online learning one can
engage in various programs at the same time, such as running two or more courses
from different universities within the same period.
 E-learning helps teachers manage their teaching materials. The problem of having
so many paper works such as lesson notes, attendance record, punishment record
and so many other school records becomes a thing of the past since all relevant
information related to teaching and learning are housed in one place(internet and
computer). The effect is that teachers will be in a better position to manage
themselves and their work.
 Effective: E-learning can be as effective as face to face teaching. Joshi & Babacan
(2012) noted that teachers can make it effective through intellectual stimulation,
salient questions, ethical options and resources for further inquiry.

21
Journal of Educational Research and Development; Vol.5 No.1 March 2022; ISSN (Print):
2682-5201; pg.19 – 24

 Visual simulation: This is the visual representation of data obtained through

simulation. It has to do with modeling a real world environment in a simplistic way
so as to help a learner develop an understanding of the concept. E-learning facilitates
learning through the provision of visual simulation.

Types of e-Learning
There are three main models of e-learning identified by researches namely:
Synchronous e-learning: This is the type of e-learning where students are engaged in
teaching and learning at the same time through live chatting, video conferencing and live
streaming lectures(Wikipedia,2020).It is a virtual classroom that allows students to discuss
with their teachers and also their colleagues. Students can ask real questions and receive
immediate answers through instant messaging. There is usually a lot of interaction among
students and teachers, specific time schedules are set for assignment and exams.
A synchronous e-learning: This model does not occur at the same place or at the same time.
This method gives student the opportunity to discuss with their teachers as well as
themselves over the internet. Students usually study at their own pace. This method makes
use of email, social media platforms, posted lecture notes, streaming video content,
message boards which allow learners to post questions and comments. In this approach
you“read at your pace, view on your time and complete based on your understanding’
(TBS, 2020). Asynchronous e-learning makes the materials available while you complete
them at your convenience.
Blended learning: A combination of traditional classroom instruction and instruction
mediated by technology. It requires the physical presence of both teacher and students in a
classroom environment with computer-mediated activities for content (Strauss, 2012). The
teacher facilitates the learning process by monitoring, coaching and instructing.

Elearning as a supplement to face to face learning in Nigerian Schools

Traditional/Face to face learning approach is common in most Nigerian schools and has
been the standard for a long time. It involves students sitting quietly at their places in the
classrooms and listening to their teachers teach. The system requires that students be taught
the same materials at the same time; students that are not quick learners fail, rather than
being allowed to succeed at their own speed and pace (Wikipedia). According to Lujan
(2008) traditional teaching involves teachers telling students what they know and expecting
students to simply commit those facts to memory. However, learning is not all about putting
a set of facts to memory, but the ability to use resources to find, evaluate, and apply
information (Lujan, 2008). That notwithstanding, we cannot hang our educational system
on face to face learning approach alone, there is need for schools to explore the rich benefits
of e-learning. E-learning provides access to more information than any teacher or lecturer.
It has been proved to be effective, accessible, open and tailored to the individual needs of
the students (Ma, 2020).A combination of e-learning and face to face learning gives
students the best of both worlds. The theory behind this is that where e-learning fails, the
latter can substitute and vice versa.
Some of the advantages of blending e-learning with face to face learning approach
according to (Real Indiana Educators, 2020) are as follows:
 It provides flexibility in the presentation of content. A teacher could treat complex
topics in the classroom while simpler topics can be available online.
22
Journal of Educational Research and Development; Vol.5 No.1 March 2022; ISSN (Print):
2682-5201; pg.19 – 24

 It improves student- teacher communication. The sense of dependency that comes

from virtual learning makes students more willing to ask questions and participate
in class sessions.
 Online teachers can point students to links that will help students grasp concepts
and get them more interested in the lecture.
 It prevents students from falling behind in case of absence from school. Teachers
could use online classes to supplement for a student who could not come to school
as a result of illness or otherwise.
 With the mixture of online and face to face, parents can be more involved in their
children’s academic progress and finally, it helps to sharpen students, teachers, and
parents digital skills by making them acquire digital literacy as a way of being ready
for school.
Conclusions:
E-learning has become an inherent part of our learning process. It fosters collaboration
among students which can expand their store of information and knowledge. It is flexible,
interactive, cost-effective and efficient. It engages students interest and help them learn at
their pace. E-learning comes in synchronous, asynchronous and blended forms. Nigeria as
a developing nation should adopt the blended e-learning style because it gives the instructor
the benefit of repackaging the learning modalities to suit our peculiarities.

Recommendations:
This study recommended that government should:
 Subsidize the cost of laptops for students, as a means of encouraging them to acquire
one.
 Government should also provide constant supply of electricity and internet
connectivity both in urban and rural areas.
 The Ministry of Education should provide continuous training and retraining
programs for teachers on how to use eLearning software.

REFERENCES
Anan, M. & Anwar, K. (2020). Online Learning amid the Covid-19 pandemic: Students
perspectives. Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology Research 2(1), 45-
51.
Adedigba, A. (2017). 60 Million Nigerians are illiterate- Minister. Retrieved on 24th
August, 2020 from www.premiumtimes.ng.com
Alghamdi, A. 2013). Pedagogical implications of using discussion board to improve
student learning in higher education. Georgia: Higher Education Press.
Anene, J. N.; Imam, .H. &Odmuh, I. (2014). Problem and Prospect of E-learning in Nigeria
Universities. InternationalJournal of Technology and Inclusive Education. 3(2) 320-
334.
Ajadi, T. O; Salawu, I. O &Adeoye, F. A. (2008). E-learning and distance education in
Nigeria. The Turkish Online Journal of Education Technology 7 (4).
Bastrikin, A. (2020) OnlineEducation Statistics. Retrieved from www. Educationdata.org.
on 24th August, 2020

23
Journal of Educational Research and Development; Vol.5 No.1 March 2022; ISSN (Print):
2682-5201; pg.19 – 24

Christensson, P. (2015). Internet Definition. Retrieved from https://techterms.com. on 4th

September, 2020.
Dentzel, Z. (2014). How the Internet has Changed Everyday Life. Retrieved from
http://bbvaopenmind.com on 25th August, 2020.
Eze, V. C; Bello A. O. (2018). The utilization of e-learning facilities in the educational
delivery of M- Universities. International Journal of Educational Technology in
Higher Education 20(1), 2-20.
Joshi, M. & Babacan, A. (2012). Developing a framework for the effective use of blogs in
formative assessment. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 13(3), 21-32.
Idris, A. (2020). Innovating in the face of the coronavirus (COVID -19): Pandemic: Case
studies from Nigerian Universities. www.researchgate.net
Lujan. H. &Dicarlo, S. E. (2006).Too much teaching, not enough learning. Advances in
Physiology Education. Vol 30, 17-22.
Ma, J. (2020). Face-off: Is online learning better than face to face learning. Retrieved from
wwwscmp.com on 2nd September, 2020
Mahmoud, M.A. (2008). CD-ROM use in e-learning. Retreved on 25th August, 2020 from
https://www.researchgate.net
Northedge, A. (2008). The Good Study Guide. OGTB Limited, Open University of the
United Kingdom.
Palvia, S; Aeron, P; Grupta,P; Mahapatia, D.;Parida, R; Rosner, R & Sindhi, S. (2018).
Online Education: Worldwide status, challenges trends, and implications. Journal of
Global Information Technology Management 21(4).
Real Indiana, (2020) 10 Benefits of Integrating Online Learning with Traditional
Education. Retrieve from achievevirtual.org on 2nd September, 2020.
Strauss, V. (2020). Three fears about blended learning. Retrieved on 24th
fromwww.washingtonpost.com
TBS Staff. (2020). Synchronous Learning VS. Asynchronous Learning in Online
Education. Retrieved from wwwthebestschools.org. on 2nd September, 2020.

24