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Research paper thumbnail of A needs assessment of ODL educators to determine their effective use of open educational resources

The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, Oct 1, 2012

Nigeria has joined the global race of teaching and learning in a changing educational environment... more Nigeria has joined the global race of teaching and learning in a changing educational environment by adopting open and distance learning (ODL). Although it is a global trend, ODL poses some challenges at local levels, one of which is the untimely production of teaching materials currently affecting instructional delivery in Nigeria. The modern approach to ameliorating this challenge is the deployment of open educational resources (OER), and this practice is enabled by information and communication technology (ICT). Hence, today's educators need OER tools and ICT skills to address the changing nature of education. This paper assessed the needs, readiness, and willingness of ODL professionals from two dual-mode universities in Nigeria to deploy OER in teaching and learning. Data were collected using structured questionnaire items. The major findings of the study's survey indicated that educators have not really embedded OER in teaching and learning, but they are very eager to be trained in the rudiments of OER and wish to employ them thereafter. The results indicate there is an urgent need for professional development to include training in the rudiments of OER for educators.

Research paper thumbnail of Rethinking and restructuring an assessment system via effective deployment of technology

International Journal of Education and Development using ICT, Jul 25, 2010

Every instructional process involves a strategic assessment system for a complete teachinglearnin... more Every instructional process involves a strategic assessment system for a complete teachinglearning circle. Assessment system which is seriously challenged calls for a change in the approach. The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) assessment system at present is challenged. The large number of students and numerous courses offered by NOUN as an open and distance learning institution make assessment very cumbersome and an administrative nightmare. This paper has employed descriptive approach in studying the nature and various directions of challenges associated with NOUN assessment. These challenges are related to conduct of examination such as question paper, finance, manpower, collation of results and release of meaningful results. The study explores how technology envisaged to ameliorate these challenges can effectively be employed to restructure assessment in NOUN. Issues relevant for effective deployment of technology in restructuring like question bank, logistic operations, operational processes of technology and formal registration of students for assessment are discussed for ease of implementation. Implications for the use of technology in assessment are presented. Cogent recommendations are made for effectiveness of the system. In sum, the deployment of technology is a viable sustainable strategy open to NOUN to effectively manage the burden of assessment of students' learning outcomes.

Research paper thumbnail of Standards Setting and Large Scale Assessment. Title: Development and use of multiple choice items as instrument for Science performance measure for large class sizes

“Education for All” and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals have placed pressure o... more “Education for All” and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals have placed pressure on carrying capacity of Nigeria’s educational system, resulting in significant increase in the number of children in her educational system. This led to very large class sizes and the inherent challenge of ensuring that the learning goals and quality of education are sustained. Provision of fair assessment with timely feedback for students is a difficult task with science laboratory classes, hence, the use of subjective assessment. This study sought to develop and use multiple choice items as new instrument for science performance measure for large classes with a view of automating the process if the results are worthwhile. Biology (a natural science) and Physics (an applied science) were used for this study. First year students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike offering 100 level courses in Biology and Physics Laboratory courses of the University’s College of Natural and Applied Science are the population while the sample consists of the 100 level students of College of Agricultural and Science Education offering the required laboratory courses. The practical work for the identified courses will be simultaneously assessed by the College subjective mode of assessment while the researchers will also assess the same courses using the developed multiple choice items targeting goals of the subjective assessment measure. The content validity of the test items were determined with test blue prints while the reliability of 0.81 was established using Pearson product moment correlation coefficient. SPSS 21 was used to carry out the data analysis. Pearson product moment correlation was used to determine the coefficient of correlation between the laboratory subjective examination scores and the multiple choice scores and paired t-test was used to test mean differences. Results showed a significant coefficient of correlation and a significant different between the means as revealed by the t-test result. Since there was a significant correlation coefficient the process involved will be proffered for adoption and implementation to the university and other institutions challenged by the assessment of practical work of large classes.]

Research paper thumbnail of Information And Communication Technology Literacy And eAssessment In Open And Distance Learning

Educational Foundations, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Standards Setting and Large Scale Assessment. Title: Development and use of multiple choice items as instrument for Science performance measure for large class sizes

“Education for All” and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals have placed pressure o... more “Education for All” and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals have placed pressure on carrying capacity of Nigeria’s educational system, resulting in significant increase in the number of children in her educational system. This led to very large class sizes and the inherent challenge of ensuring that the learning goals and quality of education are sustained. Provision of fair assessment with timely feedback for students is a difficult task with science laboratory classes, hence, the use of subjective assessment. This study sought to develop and use multiple choice items as new instrument for science performance measure for large classes with a view of automating the process if the results are worthwhile. Biology (a natural science) and Physics (an applied science) were used for this study. First year students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike offering 100 level courses in Biology and Physics Laboratory courses of the University’s College of Natural and Applied Science are the population while the sample consists of the 100 level students of College of Agricultural and Science Education offering the required laboratory courses. The practical work for the identified courses will be simultaneously assessed by the College subjective mode of assessment while the researchers will also assess the same courses using the developed multiple choice items targeting goals of the subjective assessment measure. The content validity of the test items were determined with test blue prints while the reliability of 0.81 was established using Pearson product moment correlation coefficient. SPSS 21 was used to carry out the data analysis. Pearson product moment correlation was used to determine the coefficient of correlation between the laboratory subjective examination scores and the multiple choice scores and paired t-test was used to test mean differences. Results showed a significant coefficient of correlation and a significant different between the means as revealed by the t-test result. Since there was a significant correlation coefficient the process involved will be proffered for adoption and implementation to the university and other institutions challenged by the assessment of practical work of large classes.]

Research paper thumbnail of Sustainable Assessment And Evaluation Strategies For Open And Distance Learning

This paper first presents an overview of the concepts of assessment and evaluation in Open and Di... more This paper first presents an overview of the concepts of assessment and evaluation in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) environment. The large numbers of students and numerous courses make assessment and evaluation very difficult and administrative nightmare at Distance Learning (DL) institutions. These challenges informed exploring issues relating to assessment and evaluation like the development and use of question bank and deployment of technology in assessment with emphasis on strategies for sustainability. Assessment in ODL, unlike in the Conventional system where students have a range of opportunities to demonstrate their learning periodically, depends on formal assessment tasks only. Thus, for validity to be high in ODL assessment, assessment must provide the appropriate situation possible for measuring the specific abilities being measured. Reliability is maximized when the assessment items are many; the items are not too easy or too difficult for the candidates; and the mark...

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of challenges in developing self-instructional course materials at the National Open University of Nigeria

The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 2012

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is Nigeria’s only university dedicated to providin... more The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is Nigeria’s only university dedicated to providing education through the use of distance instructional methods. So far, however, the lack of availability and poor distribution of course materials, which underpin instructional delivery at NOUN, continue to be hindrances to achieving the university’s vision and mission. There are delays and difficulties in developing and distributing materials to students and Study Centres. Many pioneer students cannot graduate because of this challenge. This paper examines the process of developing self-instructional course materials at NOUN. It reflects on the challenges associated with the quantity, quality, and timely production of course materials, labelled “the hills, the wills, and the skills” obstacles. The paper concludes that there is a need for better professional development in order to provide efficient ODL delivery.

Research paper thumbnail of A needs assessment of ODL educators to determine their effective use of open educational resources

The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Adapting on Demand Examination System in National Open University of Nigeria End of Semester Examination

Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, Oct 1, 2011

Teaching-learning process is incomplete without effective and meaningful assessment of students l... more Teaching-learning process is incomplete without effective and meaningful assessment of students learning outcomes. This applies to both conventional modes of education as well as to open and distance learning modes. So far, conduct of examinations at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has been cumbersome and be-decked with ‗hydra headed' problems, such as: dearth of skilled academics, finances, prompt marking of scripts and collation/processing of acceptable results leading to release of incomplete or meaningless results. Hence the need for re-engineering the examination process at the NOUN. This paper discusses the On Demand Examination System (ODES), an Information Communication and Technology (ICT) based innovation which enables the assessment of students, as at and on their own readiness and demand. But, opined that NOUN can make better use of ODES by convenient adaptation and use of the ODES software functionalities and processes. The ODES can be used to handle the challenging examination processes such as generating items that could be administered to students as a group at the End of Semester Examination. The results of the examination can then be timely processedd and released following the laid down procedures already entrenched by the use of the software to overcome most of the burden experienced so far. Since, the institution, the students and even the staff are not technologically ready for On Demand Examination for now.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of challenges in developing self-instructional course materials at the National Open University of Nigeria

The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, Apr 2, 2012

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is Nigeria's only university dedicated to providin... more The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is Nigeria's only university dedicated to providing education through the use of distance instructional methods. So far, however, the lack of availability and poor distribution of course materials, which underpin instructional delivery at NOUN, continue to be hindrances to achieving the university's vision and mission. There are delays and difficulties in developing and distributing materials to students and Study Centres. Many pioneer students cannot graduate because of this challenge. This paper examines the process of developing self-instructional course materials at NOUN. It reflects on the challenges associated with the quantity, quality, and timely production of course materials, labelled "the hills, the wills, and the skills" obstacles. The paper concludes that there is a need for better professional development in order to provide efficient ODL delivery.

Research paper thumbnail of A needs assessment of ODL educators to determine their effective use of open educational resources

The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, Oct 1, 2012

Nigeria has joined the global race of teaching and learning in a changing educational environment... more Nigeria has joined the global race of teaching and learning in a changing educational environment by adopting open and distance learning (ODL). Although it is a global trend, ODL poses some challenges at local levels, one of which is the untimely production of teaching materials currently affecting instructional delivery in Nigeria. The modern approach to ameliorating this challenge is the deployment of open educational resources (OER), and this practice is enabled by information and communication technology (ICT). Hence, today's educators need OER tools and ICT skills to address the changing nature of education. This paper assessed the needs, readiness, and willingness of ODL professionals from two dual-mode universities in Nigeria to deploy OER in teaching and learning. Data were collected using structured questionnaire items. The major findings of the study's survey indicated that educators have not really embedded OER in teaching and learning, but they are very eager to be trained in the rudiments of OER and wish to employ them thereafter. The results indicate there is an urgent need for professional development to include training in the rudiments of OER for educators.

Research paper thumbnail of Rethinking and restructuring an assessment system via effective deployment of technology

International Journal of Education and Development using ICT, Jul 25, 2010

Every instructional process involves a strategic assessment system for a complete teachinglearnin... more Every instructional process involves a strategic assessment system for a complete teachinglearning circle. Assessment system which is seriously challenged calls for a change in the approach. The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) assessment system at present is challenged. The large number of students and numerous courses offered by NOUN as an open and distance learning institution make assessment very cumbersome and an administrative nightmare. This paper has employed descriptive approach in studying the nature and various directions of challenges associated with NOUN assessment. These challenges are related to conduct of examination such as question paper, finance, manpower, collation of results and release of meaningful results. The study explores how technology envisaged to ameliorate these challenges can effectively be employed to restructure assessment in NOUN. Issues relevant for effective deployment of technology in restructuring like question bank, logistic operations, operational processes of technology and formal registration of students for assessment are discussed for ease of implementation. Implications for the use of technology in assessment are presented. Cogent recommendations are made for effectiveness of the system. In sum, the deployment of technology is a viable sustainable strategy open to NOUN to effectively manage the burden of assessment of students' learning outcomes.

Research paper thumbnail of Standards Setting and Large Scale Assessment. Title: Development and use of multiple choice items as instrument for Science performance measure for large class sizes

“Education for All” and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals have placed pressure o... more “Education for All” and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals have placed pressure on carrying capacity of Nigeria’s educational system, resulting in significant increase in the number of children in her educational system. This led to very large class sizes and the inherent challenge of ensuring that the learning goals and quality of education are sustained. Provision of fair assessment with timely feedback for students is a difficult task with science laboratory classes, hence, the use of subjective assessment. This study sought to develop and use multiple choice items as new instrument for science performance measure for large classes with a view of automating the process if the results are worthwhile. Biology (a natural science) and Physics (an applied science) were used for this study. First year students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike offering 100 level courses in Biology and Physics Laboratory courses of the University’s College of Natural and Applied Science are the population while the sample consists of the 100 level students of College of Agricultural and Science Education offering the required laboratory courses. The practical work for the identified courses will be simultaneously assessed by the College subjective mode of assessment while the researchers will also assess the same courses using the developed multiple choice items targeting goals of the subjective assessment measure. The content validity of the test items were determined with test blue prints while the reliability of 0.81 was established using Pearson product moment correlation coefficient. SPSS 21 was used to carry out the data analysis. Pearson product moment correlation was used to determine the coefficient of correlation between the laboratory subjective examination scores and the multiple choice scores and paired t-test was used to test mean differences. Results showed a significant coefficient of correlation and a significant different between the means as revealed by the t-test result. Since there was a significant correlation coefficient the process involved will be proffered for adoption and implementation to the university and other institutions challenged by the assessment of practical work of large classes.]

Research paper thumbnail of Information And Communication Technology Literacy And eAssessment In Open And Distance Learning

Educational Foundations, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Standards Setting and Large Scale Assessment. Title: Development and use of multiple choice items as instrument for Science performance measure for large class sizes

“Education for All” and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals have placed pressure o... more “Education for All” and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals have placed pressure on carrying capacity of Nigeria’s educational system, resulting in significant increase in the number of children in her educational system. This led to very large class sizes and the inherent challenge of ensuring that the learning goals and quality of education are sustained. Provision of fair assessment with timely feedback for students is a difficult task with science laboratory classes, hence, the use of subjective assessment. This study sought to develop and use multiple choice items as new instrument for science performance measure for large classes with a view of automating the process if the results are worthwhile. Biology (a natural science) and Physics (an applied science) were used for this study. First year students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike offering 100 level courses in Biology and Physics Laboratory courses of the University’s College of Natural and Applied Science are the population while the sample consists of the 100 level students of College of Agricultural and Science Education offering the required laboratory courses. The practical work for the identified courses will be simultaneously assessed by the College subjective mode of assessment while the researchers will also assess the same courses using the developed multiple choice items targeting goals of the subjective assessment measure. The content validity of the test items were determined with test blue prints while the reliability of 0.81 was established using Pearson product moment correlation coefficient. SPSS 21 was used to carry out the data analysis. Pearson product moment correlation was used to determine the coefficient of correlation between the laboratory subjective examination scores and the multiple choice scores and paired t-test was used to test mean differences. Results showed a significant coefficient of correlation and a significant different between the means as revealed by the t-test result. Since there was a significant correlation coefficient the process involved will be proffered for adoption and implementation to the university and other institutions challenged by the assessment of practical work of large classes.]

Research paper thumbnail of Sustainable Assessment And Evaluation Strategies For Open And Distance Learning

This paper first presents an overview of the concepts of assessment and evaluation in Open and Di... more This paper first presents an overview of the concepts of assessment and evaluation in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) environment. The large numbers of students and numerous courses make assessment and evaluation very difficult and administrative nightmare at Distance Learning (DL) institutions. These challenges informed exploring issues relating to assessment and evaluation like the development and use of question bank and deployment of technology in assessment with emphasis on strategies for sustainability. Assessment in ODL, unlike in the Conventional system where students have a range of opportunities to demonstrate their learning periodically, depends on formal assessment tasks only. Thus, for validity to be high in ODL assessment, assessment must provide the appropriate situation possible for measuring the specific abilities being measured. Reliability is maximized when the assessment items are many; the items are not too easy or too difficult for the candidates; and the mark...

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of challenges in developing self-instructional course materials at the National Open University of Nigeria

The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 2012

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is Nigeria’s only university dedicated to providin... more The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is Nigeria’s only university dedicated to providing education through the use of distance instructional methods. So far, however, the lack of availability and poor distribution of course materials, which underpin instructional delivery at NOUN, continue to be hindrances to achieving the university’s vision and mission. There are delays and difficulties in developing and distributing materials to students and Study Centres. Many pioneer students cannot graduate because of this challenge. This paper examines the process of developing self-instructional course materials at NOUN. It reflects on the challenges associated with the quantity, quality, and timely production of course materials, labelled “the hills, the wills, and the skills” obstacles. The paper concludes that there is a need for better professional development in order to provide efficient ODL delivery.

Research paper thumbnail of A needs assessment of ODL educators to determine their effective use of open educational resources

The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Adapting on Demand Examination System in National Open University of Nigeria End of Semester Examination

Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, Oct 1, 2011

Teaching-learning process is incomplete without effective and meaningful assessment of students l... more Teaching-learning process is incomplete without effective and meaningful assessment of students learning outcomes. This applies to both conventional modes of education as well as to open and distance learning modes. So far, conduct of examinations at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has been cumbersome and be-decked with ‗hydra headed' problems, such as: dearth of skilled academics, finances, prompt marking of scripts and collation/processing of acceptable results leading to release of incomplete or meaningless results. Hence the need for re-engineering the examination process at the NOUN. This paper discusses the On Demand Examination System (ODES), an Information Communication and Technology (ICT) based innovation which enables the assessment of students, as at and on their own readiness and demand. But, opined that NOUN can make better use of ODES by convenient adaptation and use of the ODES software functionalities and processes. The ODES can be used to handle the challenging examination processes such as generating items that could be administered to students as a group at the End of Semester Examination. The results of the examination can then be timely processedd and released following the laid down procedures already entrenched by the use of the software to overcome most of the burden experienced so far. Since, the institution, the students and even the staff are not technologically ready for On Demand Examination for now.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of challenges in developing self-instructional course materials at the National Open University of Nigeria

The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, Apr 2, 2012

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is Nigeria's only university dedicated to providin... more The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is Nigeria's only university dedicated to providing education through the use of distance instructional methods. So far, however, the lack of availability and poor distribution of course materials, which underpin instructional delivery at NOUN, continue to be hindrances to achieving the university's vision and mission. There are delays and difficulties in developing and distributing materials to students and Study Centres. Many pioneer students cannot graduate because of this challenge. This paper examines the process of developing self-instructional course materials at NOUN. It reflects on the challenges associated with the quantity, quality, and timely production of course materials, labelled "the hills, the wills, and the skills" obstacles. The paper concludes that there is a need for better professional development in order to provide efficient ODL delivery.