Promoting Online Conferencing for the Enhancement of Open and Distance Education in Nigeria: A Case Study of the National Open University of Nigeria

Abstract

The study was designed to find out if the integration and promotion of the use of online conferencing as instruction delivery method in addition to the current instruction delivery method of use of printed material, audio and video CDs, and broadcast media had enhancing effects on open and distance learning in Nigeria; and helped in fostering overall attainment of the goals and objectives of the establishment of the National open University of Nigeria. The study employed an experimental approach, the population of the study consisted of the post graduate students at the Nekede study centre of the National Open University of Nigeria. M.Sc. students of information and communication technology and Educational technology were purposively selected as the sampled population;  structured questionnaires were used as instrument for primary data collection. Interviews, personal discussions, and literature provided sources for secondary data. The instrument was validated by scholars from the Imo state University, Owerri Imo State Nigeria. The results from the survey were analyzed using descriptive and quantitative statics. The result from the study showed that students viewed the current instruction dell very mode in the national Open University of Nigeria as grossly insufficient, ineffective and inadequate. The student hence agreed that promotion of the use on online conferencing as instruction dell very method was very important the study further revealed that the promotion of the use of online conferencing is a catalyst for enhancing open and distance learning in Nigeria and hence a vehicle for promoting the overall attainment of the objective of the established of the national open University of Nigeria.