1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY.
Distance learning is a way of learning remotely without being in regular face-to-face contact with a teacher in the classroom. In the UK such learning has its roots in students learning through correspondence courses. At undergraduate level distance learning usually means students engaging with learning materials at home or work. The introduction of ICT into the educational system has redefined teaching and learning processes or endeavors thereby giving rise to contemporary medium of learning termed "E-learning" (Agbonlahor, 2005). E-learning is an innovative approach for delivering electronically mediated, well designed, learner centered and interrative learning environments to anyone, in any place and at anytime, by utilizing the internet and digital technologies (Hedge and Hayward, 2004).
Presently, some institutions in Nigeria are using E-learning to deliver distance education (DE) and lifelong learning due to the fact that Nigerians struggle to obtain qualification through higher education for social and occupational mobility (Jegede, 2003). However, in a country of different dimension such as Nigeria, distance education has emerged as a mediated form of instruction, and has all the attributes to become a major ally in overcoming of the serious challenges faced by the Nigerian Society.
Presently, some institutions in Nigeria are using e-learning to deliver distance education (DE) and life-long learning due to the fact that Nigerians struggle to obtain qualification through higher education for social and occupational mobility (Jegede, 2003). However, in a country of different dimensions such as Nigeria, distance education has emerged as a mediated form of instruction, and has all the attributes to become a major ally in overcoming one of the serious challenges faced by the Nigerian society. It was based on this that the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) was established to run on an e-learning platform so as to meet up with contemporary challenges of providing education for Nigerians irrespective of their location. This has led to huge investments for the deployment of state-of-the-art e-learning facilities in all of NOUN’s study centres. This, it was believed would enhance teaching and learning and guarantee students’ satisfaction. However, little empirical studies have been carried out on satisfaction of e-learning in Nigeria.It was based on this that the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) was established to run on an e-learning platform so as to meet up with contemporary challenges of providing education for Nigerians irrespective of their location. This has led to huge investments for the deployment of state-of-the-art e-learning facilities in all of NOUN’s study centres. This, it was believed would enhance teaching and learning and guarantee students’ satisfaction. However, little empirical studies have been carried out on satisfaction of e-learning in Nigeria.
Users’ satisfaction of e-learning system is a benchmark in justifying the huge investment on a system. Leclercq (2007), found that the relationship between the IS function and the users as well as the quality of support and services provided by the IS function had an impact on user satisfaction. Venkatesh et al. (2003), found a significant relationship between user satisfaction and actual usage. Another study by Leonard-Barton & Sinha (1993) found that the technical performance of the developers (based on their responsiveness to problems) was positively related to user satisfaction. Wang et al., (2007) also observed that a single measure, such as user satisfaction does not give a comprehensive view of e-learning systems success.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.
Since the Internet and the use of ICT technology is employed in the course structure of distance learning, additional problems may arise ranging from student’s perception of the technology as assisting or impeding the learning process to their level of satisfaction in distance learning. However there is need to find out the determinants of student satisfaction in a distance learning environment and determine their level of satisfaction with such environment.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The following are the objectives of this study:
To ascertain the level of student’s satisfaction with the learning environment in distance learning Universities in Nigeria.
To examine the determinants of students satisfaction in a distance learning environment
To analyze the factors that can enhance students satisfaction in a distance learning university.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
What is the level of student’s satisfaction with the learning environment in distance learning Universities in Nigeria?
How can the level of students' satisfaction in distance learning be improved in University of Ibadan?
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The following are the significance of the study;
This study will be useful for policy makers in education sector on the challenges faced by students that is associated with the learning environment in distance learning universities, a case study of university of Ibadan.
This will also prepare students in university of Ibadan to cope with any challenges faced as a result of the gap created by the distance between the lecturer and the students.
This research will also serve as a resource base to other scholars and researchers interested in carrying out further research in this field subsequently, if applied, it will go to an extent to provide new explanation to the topic.
1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY.
This study focus basically on students satisfaction with learning environment in distance learning institute in University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
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