Investigation of students’ perceptions of online learning resources and textbook materials in Nasarawa State University, Keffi

Abstract

Considering the development of technology in the current era, the present research aimed at investigating students’ perceptions of online learning resources and conventional textbook materials in Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK). The population of the study comprised 6000 Post Graduate (PG) students from which a sample of 361 representing about 60 percent of the entire population was taken. The descriptive survey design was used and the setting for the study was a mix of face to face and online survey. The instrument for data collection was an investigator designed questionnaire which was pilot tested with five participants. Four research questions guided the study. The study found that, online learning material is better than conventional textbook materials in terms of coverage of topics, access to materials provision of supplemented instruction, flexible reading style, provision of current and updated information etc. The study also found that, to access online learning materials, majority of the students use Cybercafé network since the institution does not provide internet services for the students. This to a large extent contributes to why many students still patronize conventional textbook materials. The study also found that, online learning resource is more cost effective than conventional textbook materials. The study recommended that, institutions of learning in Nigeria should do away with resistance in the shift towards online learning resources and adapt their curriculum to include digital resources, and that; there should be free internet service for students on campus in all universities in Nigeria.