Preference And Attitude To Online Learning Among University Of Lagos Undergraduates At Post-Lockdown Resumption: Implications For Counselling

Abstract

One of the innovative impacts of information technology in teaching and learning is the availability of different online teaching systems to facilitate learning amongst students. The importance of the various online teaching mechanisms in Nigeria was appreciably enhanced  and utilized as a means of curbing the spread of COVID-19 on the resumption of academic activities after a long period of government-imposed lockdown. One of the systems adopted by the University of Lagos like other institutions of higher learning in Nigeria is the Learning Management System (LMS). Before the COVID-19 pandemic, regular undergraduate students were taught by face-to- face contact. With the change in medium of teaching, it is necessary to investigate students’ preference and attitude towards online learning to serve as feedback for future policy adjustment and implementation. To achieve this, a descriptive survey research design was adopted. A sample of 467 undergraduates from 3 Faculties were selected using a snow ball sampling technique. Two researcher-developed instruments were used to gather data electronically (Preference for Online learning Questionnaire (POLQ) and Attitude to Online Learning Scale (AOLS) from the respondents. Six research objectives and three research questions were raised. Three hypotheses were tested. Analysis of data was done using frequency counts, simple percentage, content analysis and chi-square test for independence. The findings revealed that 57% of respondents prefer face-to-face contact learning to online learning, while 40% of respondents reported having a negative attitude towards online learning. There seems to be a significant gender difference in preference and attitude to online learning. There is also a significant relationship between students’ preference and attitude to online learning. Recommendations were made in line with findings. The study advocates a collaborative effort of the school management, centre for information system unit (CITS) and counselling unit of the university in creating awareness of the importance of online teaching and as learning medium at critical periods like this.