The Availability and Utilization of E-Learning Infrastructures for Teaching and Learning

Abstract

The increased involvement of technology in all aspects of our lives places educational institutions under pressure to include these aspects at the heart of their learning. This ensures that they continue to be competitive in a constantly changing market with international and cultural links and the organizational infrastructure often presents the greatest barrier to such developments. Although the Government is committed to implementing ICT in education, the process seems to be militated by a number of barriers hence this study investigated the availability and utilization of e-learning infrastructures for teaching and learning at the University of Ibadan. Four research questions guided the study. The population of the study was made up of 482 students and 180 lecturers randomly selected from the four faculties of the institution. Data obtained was analyzed using mean and t-test. Some of the findings revealed that e- learning infrastructures are not adequate in the higher institution of learning. Development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is mainly for administrative purposes. In addition, both lecturers and students have computers and laptops which could be used to access the internet but, they do not use them for teaching and learning. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations were made to encourage the use of e-learning infrastructures to foster teaching and learning in the university. The university should as matter of urgency organize in house training for lecturers on the use of ICT for teaching and learning. Government should release the necessary funds to enable universities put in place necessary ICT infrastructures that will facilitate teaching and learning.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p1348