Blended Learning Environments: An Exploratory Study of e-Learning Implementation in Nigeria Tertiary Institutions Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape of education globally, posing restrictions and widespread closure of schools, thereby, introducing the paradigm shift from Physical to Virtual, and then blended (Mix mode) learning environments. Hence, teaching and learning process should evolve to accommodate the new normal. It is important to create efficacious virtual learning, however, the behavioral responses of the end-users (students) towards the implementation and adoption of a virtual learning environment are necessary. This paper, therefore, aim to examine students’ perception, preferences, and adoption of technology-enabled virtual learning environments and causal factors in process of implementing virtual classes in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. The study seeks to explore the behavioral characteristics of students in virtual classes. The population of the study consists of eight hundred (800) students selected using the non-probability sampling technique. The results of the study reveal that most students still prefer physical to virtual classes. Students faced a series of difficulties during virtual classes which might lead to student failure. It is significant to know that virtual classes cannot replace physical classes but are complementary.