Relevance of Electronic Resources and Improvement of Access for Effective Distance Learning and Continuing Education Programme

Wisdom O Anyim

doi:10.46966/ijae.v2i1.83

Abstract

This paper investigates the relevance of electronic resources and improved access for effective distance learning and continuing education. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The total population of the study comprises 7,125 registered students of the National Open University of Nigeria. A convenience sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 379 respondents. Structured questionnaires were distributed to the respondents through a research assistant, and only 320 valid responses were returned and used for the study. The study used frequency counts and percentages as statistical measures for data analysis. Findings revealed that students access e-resources regularly. Electronic resources were also relevant as they provide students with up-to-date information, complete information from different sources, speedy and easy access to information, and more. Access to electronic resources can be improved through the following means: provision of useful Internet/server to enhance the accessibility of e-resources, online user guideline for accessing e-resources, creation of user-friendly interfaces for easy access to online contents. It was recommended that audio and video conference chats be made available to students to connect librarians for assistance when the need arises; compulsory user-education and orientation program should also be conducted for students on the use of electronic resources.

Highlights

The need for quick access to knowledge and increased desire to meet academic scholars'information needs has transformed how information is used
This paper investigates the relevance of electronic resources and improved access for effective distance learning and continuing education
The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the relevance of electronic resources and improvement of access for effective distance learning and continuing education; the following four research questions: 1. How frequent are access to electronic resources for distance learning and continuing education? 2

Summary

Introduction

Information needs has transformed how information is used. A lot has changed in recent years since the advent of modern technologies in higher learning institutions. The wave of change triggered by the emerging technologies has a tremendous effect on how information is stored, accessed, retrieved, and disseminated, extending to users' information-seeking behavior (Anyim, 2019). Lefuna was cited that in recent times, electronic resources have been identified as the primary source of information in the universities, especially for researchers, including students and teaching staff (Ternenge et al, 2019). Effective distance learning and continuing education programs require the application and deployment of electronic resources in conducting problem-solving research since research dominates students' activities as the bedrock of learning and professional development (Anyim, 2019).

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Conclusion