National Open University Of Nigeria Research Articles

Open educational resources (OER) management: implications for policymakers on the best practices in an open education university libraries in Nigeria

PurposeThe study aimed to identify the best practices for open educational resources (OER) management in Nigerian open education university libraries and the implications for policymakers.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods approach was used, which included a survey questionnaire administered via Google Forms to academic librarians and other library staff of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). The study’s population was 398 and 273 participants responded to the survey. The study included all academic librarians and other library staff representing the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study’s results were presented using frequency counts, percentages tables and the qualitative data analysis was done thematically.FindingsThe findings of the study are consistent with existing literature on best practices for managing OER, which emphasized the importance of establishing clear policies and strategies for OER management practices, such as guidelines for acquiring, creating, curating and disseminating OER.Originality/valueThe originality of the study concludes by recommending that policymakers should develop policies that support the implementation of best practices in OER management to improve access to educational resources and reduce costs for students.

Meaningful Work and Organizational Outcomes in Higher Educational Institutions in Rivers State: A Study in Workplace Spirituality

The study examined the relationship between meaningful and organizational outcomes in higher educational institutions in Rivers state, Nigeria. Specifically, the study ascertained the relationship between meaningful work and productivity in tertiary institutions in Rivers state. More so, the study examined relationship between meaningful work and innovation in tertiary institutions in Rivers state. The study adopts quasi-experimental design and a cross-sectional survey. The target population of the study comprise 3411 staff in 10 higher educational institutions in Rivers state, Nigeria, including: University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State University, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Madonna University, National Open University of Nigeria, Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic, Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Easter Polytechnic and Federal College of Education. However, out of the total population, 358 subjects were determined using Taro Yamane formula. Data were collected through structured questionnaire, while the reliability of the instrument was ascertained using Cronbach alpha coefficient. Data were analyze using Pearson Product Moment Correlation with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). However, the results of the analysis conducted revealed that there is no significant relationship between meaningful work and research productivity in higher educational institutions in Rivers state; while, in the test for the second hypothesis, it was revealed that there exist significant but very weak positive relationship between meaningful work and innovation in higher educational institutions in Rivers State. Hence, from the findings, the study recommends among others that Higher educational institutions in Rivers state, should give greater degree of autonomy and challenging tasks to employees, in addition, job with purpose, joy, energy aimed at contributing to the society at large, in order to elicit the creative and innovative behaviours and capabilities of their academic staff.

Supervisor’s Rank and Student’s Performance in Post Graduate Research in Universities in Cross River State

The study investigates influence of supervisors’ rank on students’ performance in post graduate theses and dissertations in postgraduate research in universities in Cross River State. The study adopted the ex-post factor research design. The population of the study consists of all the 3912 Post graduate degree students who completed their theses defence between 2019 to 2021 academic year among Universities in Cross River State, with specific reference to the University of Calabar, University of Cross River State and the Calabar center of the National Open University of Nigeria. Using the simple random sampling technique to select 406 respondents, data was analysed using the one-way ANOVA. The findings reveal that the supervisors’ rank has no significant influence on students’ performance in post graduate thesis and dissertation. Students’ performance in their final year research work is the same (equal) for those supervised by Lecturer 1, Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor and Professor. This may be true because of the open access possibility for supervisees to maximize online resources or consult academic mentors who might not be highly ranked academically. The study conclude that deans of Post Graduate School or postgraduate school administrators should ensure that different departments and faculties where postgraduate programmes are domiciled assigns supervisor with a higher level of expertise with regards to specialization and interest, rather than rank to supervise their post graduate student since the rank of supervisors’ does not influence students’ performance in post graduate research theses and dissertation.

Lecturers’ Utilization of Electronic Instructional Media on Students’ Academic Performance in National Open University of Nigeria, Port Harcourt Study Center

The study investigated lecturers’ utilization of electronic instructional media on students’ academic performance in. National Open University of Nigeria, Port Harcourt Study Center. Three specific objectives, three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. This study adopted descriptive survey research. The population of the study was 27 lecturers of the National Open University of Nigeria, Port Harcourt Study Center. No sampling technique was used to achieve a sample size of 27 lecturers. The data collecting instrument for this study was a self-structured questionnaire titled “Lecturers’ Utilization of Electronic Instructional Media on Students’ Academic Performance Questionnaire.” The instrument was structured using 4-point rating scale and was face and content validated by three experts in Departments of Educational Management and Measurement and Evaluation in Rivers State University. The instrument was tested for reliability using Cronbach Alpha statistics which yielded an average reliability index of 0.79. All the 27 copies of the questionnaire administered, were retrieved, and used for the study. Mean and standard deviation were used in answering the research questions while the null hypotheses were tested using t-test at 0.05 level of significance with a critical value of ±1.96. Findings revealed that lecturers’ utilization of audio tape, internet, and electronic books in instructional delivery influences students’ academic performance in National Open University of Nigeria, Port Harcourt Study Center to a high extent. Based on the findings, it was recommended that more funds be provided by the government to make available audio tapes for free to students to enable them follow up on their taped lessons; government should provide free Wi-Fi services to enable both teachers and students get unlimited access to internet usage in National Open University of Nigeria for hitch-free instructional delivery and learning process and government should as a matter of urgency provide more electronic books in schools and ensure that they are accessible to students to enhance positive reading achievement for quality education.

Multidimensional item Response Theory Calibration of Dichotomous Response Structure Using R Language for Statistical Computing

The study focuses on assessing the proficiency levels of higher education students, specifically the physics achievement test (PHY 101) at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). This test, like others, evaluates various aspects of knowledge and skills simultaneously. However, relying on traditional models for such tests can result in inaccurate interpretations of students’ abilities. The research highlights the importance of exploring the multidimensional nature of the PHY 101 test to improve its accuracy in measuring student proficiency and enhance education and assessment quality at NOUN. Using an ex-post facto research design, the study analyzed 978 responses from NOUN’s Directorate of Examination and Assessment. Through confirmatory and exploratory DETECT techniques, the study found strong evidence supporting the test’s multidimensionality. Three distinct dimensions emerged: cognitive processing, reading ability, and problem-solving skills. A parsimonious multidimensional three-parameter logistic model was used to calibrate the test items, providing valuable insights into item difficulty, discrimination, and resistance to chance influences. While the study primarily focuses on the psychometric aspects of the PHY 101 test, it is important to consider its broader impact on the educational community. The research contributes to educational assessment by emphasizing the significance of recognizing and addressing the multidimensional nature of higher education tests. This approach can result in more accurate assessments of students’ abilities, ultimately improving education quality and fairness. The findings confirm the multidimensional nature of the PHY 101 test and identify three distinct dimensions, aligning with the study’s objective. These insights are relevant to educators and test developers, highlighting the need for a multidimensional approach to effectively assess and enhance student proficiency. For researchers interested in similar studies, it is recommended to explore the broader influence of multidimensional models in educational assessment. Investigating their impact on teaching methods, curriculum development, and student learning experiences can provide valuable insights. Longitudinal studies assessing the long-term effects of multidimensional assessment on student outcomes and success are also recommended.

ВЕБ-ОРІЄНТОВАНЕ НАВЧАННЯ ТА УСПІШНІСТЬ СТУДЕНТІВ У НАЦІОНАЛЬНОМУ ВІДКРИТОМУ УНІВЕРСИТЕТІ НІГЕРІЇ

The study examined the impact of Web based learning structures (Moodle, Blackboard, Online Library, Online Course Module/Study Guide, Internet Learning for coach student and Student - Student Connection and Times of Access of Internet Learning Applications) on students' scholarly accomplishment at the National Open University of Nigeria. The descriptive survey research design was used with a population of 100 to 400 students and a sample size of 150 students from the National Open University of Nigeria's schools of law, arts and social science, business and human resources, education, science and technology, and center for continuing education. A questionnaire with 53 questions titled: Experts validated the Online Learning and Learners' Academic Achievement in National Open University of Nigeria Scale (OLLAAS), and Cronbach's alpha yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.76. To test the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance, data were analyzed using Multiple Regressions and the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The discoveries of the review uncovered that the Internet learning structures (Moodle, Blackboard, Online Library, Online Course Module/Study Guide, Web based Learning for mentor student and Student - Student Connection and Times of Access of Web based Learning Applications) essentially impacted students' scholarly accomplishment (F (6, 143) = 24.907; R2 = 0.511), and mutually represented 49.1% of its difference. Moodle (r =.206, P0.001), Blackboard (r =.417, P0.001), the Online Library (r =.594, P0.001), the Online Course Module/Study Guide (r =.395, P0.001), online learning for tutor-learner and learner-learner interaction (r =.442, P0.001), and periods of access to online learning applications (r =.625, P0.001) all had positive correlations with students. In light of the discoveries, it was suggested that administration ought to put more in training of this season of computerized age through satisfactory financing to empower schools obtain and introduce ICT foundation. The government and all relevant stakeholders ought to address the problem of incessant power outages. Mechanical gadgets ought to likewise be made accessible to students at sponsored rates to empower everybody partake in remote learning. Web based learning meetings ought to be planned with significant and profoundly captivating and intelligent learning exercises to lessen fatigue among detached students during learning.

Exploring the Use of Electronic Resources for Undergraduate Learning at the National Open University of Nigeria in Kwara State

The significance of learning in achieving academic and career success is a well-established reality affirmed by existing literature. The study investigates the use of e-resources for undergraduate education at the National Open University of Nigeria in Kwara State. Employing a survey research method, the study targeted all undergraduates enrolled at NOUN in Kwara State. The Israel Model was used to allocate responses to each NOUN center based on their projected population. The data collection instrument was a modified questionnaire with good psychometric qualities. To address the study questions and evaluate the hypotheses, descriptive and inferential statistics were used in Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) version 20.0 at a significance level of 0.05. The results showed that undergraduate students interacted effectively with electronic learning resources. In addition, no statistically significant differences in the usage of e-resources for learning were detected based on gender or digital age. The study revealed that deploying proper learning tools can considerably improve the learning experience for undergraduates. The study recommends encouraging undergraduates, regardless of gender, to use e-resources for learning. This approach is considered to be advantageous for establishing good learning outcomes.

Assessment of Indoor Radon Gas Concentration in National Open University of Nigeria: A Case Study of Calabar Study Centre

The current work deals with indoor radon (222Rn) concentrations measurements in the Calabar Study Centre of the National Open University of Nigeria using a Corentium Arthings digital radon detector meter for seven days representing a short–term average measurement of indoor radon gas concentration level. The geographical coordinates were recorded using a hand-held geographical positioning system for the sample point. Measurement were taken for seven days and the following data where obtained      83±2.19  Bq/m3,80±3.69  Bq/m3,86±5.57  Bq/m3,84±1.59  Bq/m3,82±3.59  Bq/m3,81±4.89  Bq/m3 and 85 ±5.59 Bq/m3.The average radon(222Rn) concentration level was found to be  83 ± 3.87 Bq/m3 with a geometric mean of 82 ± 3.54 Bq/m3. It was observed that the radon concentration was below the reference level of 100 Bq/m3 recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Although the current exposure of members of the public to natural radiation is not critical, the situation could change abruptly when other activities commenced. The excess life time cancer risk calculated for 70 years, 60 years, 50 years, 40 years and 30 years were 1.72 × 10−3,1.65× 10−3,1.39× 10−3,1.44× 10−3  and 0.69× 10−3  respectively. The calculated values of the excess life time cancer risk are all higher than the set limit of 0.029 × 10−3 by International Commission on Radiological Protection. However, there are no observed cases of lung cancer epidemic in this Centre. Therefore, it is advised to use fans and effective ventilation techniques to reduce radon levels. Identifying the regions of the country where people are most at risk from radon exposure should be the main goal of any national radon policy.
       

The changing pattern of University Education in West Africa (A case study of the National Open University of Nigeria)

The utilization of technology in education has become a global trend, with West African countries actively exploring its integration into their educational systems. The internet is often perceived as a tool devoid of inherent values, offering the potential to democratize access to learning and overcome traditional barriers. It is widely acknowledged that online technologies hold the promise of addressing educational disparities and social exclusion while creating inclusive and accessible educational opportunities. The Nigerian government, recognizing the limitations of conventional educational methods, has advocated for the adoption of new technologies to reduce the cost of educating a large population of adults who have been excluded from traditional learning channels. This paper provides an overview of the advancements in open, distance, and technology-driven learning, with a focus on The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) as a case study. It employs the social cognitive theory to examine how universities in West Africa are embracing online learning practices, drawing insights from experiences in Western Countries.

Test Dimensionality and Conditional Independence of Undergraduate Physics Test Items of National Open University of Nigeria: Perspective from Latent Traits Model (Ltm) Package of R Language

Physics test items developed by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to measure test-takers' proficiency in Elementary Mechanics, Heat, and Properties of Matter (PHY101) are intrinsically multidimensional. However, we observed the current method used by the University to score test-takers proficiency in the course is premised on Classical Test Theory, which has been criticised in the literature for its limitations, and a measurement model for unidimensional tests. Consequently, using an inappropriate model to model test-takers responses to items would adversely affect their true proficiency in the course. Therefore, this study assessed the dimensionality and conditional independence of physics test items of NOUN using the ltm package in the R language. A non-experimental design of survey research type was adopted. Test-takers responses to the 35 PHY 101 multiple-choice items across NOUN study centres in the 36 States of Nigeria were retrieved from the Directorate of Examination of Assessment (DEA) and used for the study, with empirical reliability of 0.80. Nine hundred seventy-eight test-takers responses were captured and analysed with modified parallel analysis test and Yen Q3 statistics implemented in ltm package of R language software, version 4.0.2. Findings remarked that NOUN physics items had more than one predominant dimension to account for the observed performance of test-takers in the course. Also, residual correlations of ten item pairs severely violated the conditional independence benchmark of 0.20. We conclude that PHY 101 of NOUN is intrinsically multidimensional. Test-takers responses to the test items are due to their locations on multiple latent variables. We recommend that a psychometric unit be established within the DEA of the University to check the appropriateness of the test items developed by the faculty lecturers.

Influence of Training and Development on Affective Commitment among Academic Staff of Public Universities in Lagos, Nigeria

Many Nigerian public universities are bedeviled with diverse challenges ranging from inadequate condition of work, human resource capacity and retaining skilled academic staff. This has overtime had debilitating consequences on the ability of these institutions to make giant strides especially from the purview of political and socio-economic developments. These attendant challenges have created reasons as to why the Nigerian tertiary institutions are experiencing continuous dearth of skilled teaching personnel and as a result, the quest for skilled academic personnel continues to rise. Based on these arguments, this study examined the influence of training and development as an employee retention strategy on affective commitment among academic staff of public universities in Lagos State, Nigeria. The population comprised 3354 academic staff from University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, National Open University of Nigeria, Victoria-Island, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu and Lagos State University of Education, Ijanikin. Through a multiple sampling technique, a total of 450 respondents served as the sample size for the study. Data were analysed using both descriptive, as well as inferential statistics. Findings revealed that a positive and significant relationship exist between training and development and affective commitment with (r=0.941, p-value<0.05). The study concluded that for academic staff of public universities to remain committed, management of public universities must fashion out modalities and framework for blending training and development, towards enhancing the commitment of academic staff in Nigerian public universities.

A CBT-Based Intervention Model for Computer Anxiety Management among first-year students at the National Open University of Nigeria in South-West Nigeria

The study investigated the effectiveness of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) in treating computer phobia among distance learning first-year students in south-western Nigeria. The moderating effects of age and gender were examined. Technology Acceptance Model was taken as the framework for the study, with the pre-test-post-test control group quasi-experimental design, where 55 computer anxious students first-year students who met the screening criteria were randomly allocated into the CBT and the Control groups. For screening, the Computer Anxiety Scale Revised (=0.89) with a norm of 60.0 was used, while Computer Anxiety Rating Scale (=0.86) was utilised to measure the criterion variable. Treatment lasted eight weeks using the CBT training guides. Data analysis was conducted using covariance and post-hoc multiple classification analysis at a significance level of 0.05. Participants mean age was =32.70, with 65.5% females. It was found that the treatment group was significantly affected by the management of computer anxiety among NOUN freshmen (F(1,46) = 42.492, p0.05, =0.480). Participants in the CBT had the least adjusted mean (=27.260), and the control group had a higher adjusted mean score (= 39.733). Participants in the treatment groups and the control group are significantly affected by age when it comes to computer anxiety (F(2,123)=4.548, p0.05, 0.090). There is a significant effect of age in the management of computer anxiety among the participants; gender did not significantly impact computer anxiety. It is recommended that educational and counselling psychologists should employ this therapy to reduce computer anxiety. Service providers should consider age in computer appreciation training for distance learners.

Evaluation of E-Learning Education System in Academic Achievement and Learning Outcomes in National Open University of Nigeria (Noun), Bauchi Study Centre, Bauchi State

As technology advances, the use of Information and Communication (ICT) tools or gadgetries has proliferated in all areas of human endeavors which paved way for the use of electronic learning (e-learning) system in which teachers are no longer present in the physical classroom to teach their courses. This paper therefore evaluate the e-learning system as a mode of teaching and learning process, relevance of its usage and challenges that hinder majority of students in its usage in learning process particularly in our National Open University. This research will adopt survey research design where the researchers developed questionnaire known as Questionnaire on Usage of Electronic Learning System (QUELS) that served as an instrument for data collected. The study areas constituted Bauchi study centre of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in the north east of Nigeria. And the population constituted all the students in the first year and second year of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) which was the sample of the study. Three (3) research questions were formulated the purpose of this research, The instrument used for data collected was validated by the experts in both fields of Computer Science and Education. Challenges such as non-availability of internet services, inability of indigent students to possess portable computer devices, irregular power supply as well as cost of accessing Internet facilities was assessed. And recommendations were given base on the findings of this research in order to see the possibilities of expanding the system in our schools at the advance level and some of the major problems facing studying electronically.

Evaluation of Information and Communication Technology Skills on Use of University Web Portal by Students of National Open University of Nigeria, Ibadan

Evaluation of Information and Communication Technology Skills on Use of University Web Portal by Students of National Open University of Nigeria, Ibadan

Effectiveness of Internet Accessibility on Academic Activities of Open and Distant Learners in the National Open University of Nigeria

This study investigated the effectiveness of internet accessibility on academic activities of open and distant learners of the National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos State. Technological Determinism Theory and Media Dependency Theory provided the framework for the study. A survey method was adopted, and a questionnaire comprising closed-ended and open-ended questions was used to collect data. It used a simple random sampling method in choosing the sample. One hundred twenty copies of the questionnaire were administered to the respondents during the study. Findings from the data analysed show that most students have access to the internet mainly on their mobile phones with self-sponsored mobile data. They face difficulties accessing the internet, which interferes with their academic activities. The study recommended that the National Open University of Nigeria should improve its network service to give the students seamless access to the school's online platforms and provide some offline options for the learners as alternatives to guard against any unexpected failure of the online options. The offline options will also carry along the older and less tech-savvy learners until they adapt to the online school system. The work concluded that poor internet accessibility significantly affects academic activities in open and distance learning. Consequently, access to the internet should be improved.

A Decision Support System for Course Materials Production and Inventory Management in the National Open University of Nigeria

This paper focuses on the design of a Decision Support System for Course Material production and inventory management in the National Open  University of Nigeria. The proposed system has a model base management subsystem which is a component that differentiates Decision Support  Systems from other types of Information Systems. The model base consists of a wide collection of models which include inventory models, production  quantity models and a forecast model. Other components of the system including the data management subsystem, dialog generation and management  subsystem and the users of the system were also discussed. A prototype of the Decision Support System was developed using python  programming and MYSQL database server. Testing and validation was done using sample data of students’ enrolment and user defined inputs for the  forecast, inventory and production modules of the system. The results of the tests show high level of accuracy when compared with those obtained from  manual computations. The design is simple, flexible and can be easily modified to suit the needs of other institutions with multi-item inventory problems.    

Pattern of electronic databases utilization by undergraduates in the study centres of National Open University of Nigeria

This study investigated the pattern of electronic database utilization by undergraduates in study centres of National Open University of Nigerian (NOUN) on the following research objectives: find out if they utilize Electronic Database, the purpose of use and identify the challenges they faced in accessing and using Electronic Databases. It adopted quantitative methodology using survey research design. The population of the study was 16,902 undergraduates of National Open University of Nigeria of the north central study centres. Stratified sampling techniques were used. A sample size 390 was selected using the Taro Yamane Formula. A questionnaire was used as the research instrument. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage. The findings revealed majority use African Journals Online (AJOL), AGORA, HINARI, Science Direct, EBSCOHOST and Taylor and France. Majority use electronic databases for class assignments, research, obtain course related information /study materials, for seminar/oral class presentation and to update knowledge/keep abreast of latest development. The challenges faced by majority of them are slow internet service, shortage of power supply, lack of access to full text of citation and abstracts, lack of time for searching and lack of information literacy skills. The study recommends, among others, constant subscription of electronic databases and use of an alternative power supply.

APPLICATION OF MULTI-ITEMS EPQ MODELS IN COURSE MATERIALS MANAGEMENT: TOWARDS BUILDING A DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR THE NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA

The classic multi-item Economic Production Quantity (EPQ) model was applied in this research to solve the Course Materials production problem of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). The EPQ model is one of the essential components of the proposed Decision Support System (DSS) for production and inventory management of course materials in NOUN. Python programming was used to develop the DSS to give a flexible interface that is easy to use by all users. The EPQ module of the DSS generated essential outputs which answers basic questions such as when to produce, how much of each item to produce per production run, the cost of producing each item and the interval between the productions run. Testing of the EPQ module was carried out using test data. When implemented, the proposed solution will enhance decision making in the area of Course Material production at NOUN printing press and reduce the difficulties encountered by staff when using manual processes to resolve complex models on regular basis

National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos (NOUN),2022/2023 JUPEB A'LEVEL APPLICATION form ☎️"07066280862 Post UTME/Direct Entry (DE)/Admission Form 07066280862 on how to purchase the form and register online, For Admission Process on how to be admitted and mode of payment of School Fee And Acceptance Fee Contact Office of the registrar on +2347066280862 more Inquiry On GUIDELINES AND ADMISSION ASSISTANCE CALL PROF MRS JUDITH ON +2347066280862.

National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos (NOUN),2022/2023 JUPEB A'LEVEL APPLICATION form ☎️"07066280862 Post UTME/Direct Entry (DE)/Admission Form 07066280862 on how to purchase the form and register online, For Admission Process on how to be admitted and mode of payment of School Fee And Acceptance Fee Contact Office of the registrar on +2347066280862 more Inquiry On GUIDELINES AND ADMISSION ASSISTANCE CALL PROF MRS JUDITH ON +2347066280862.

Admission Form for National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos Post-utme 20 22/20 23,Jupeb/Direct Entry/Transfer Form Out  Prof Mrs  Adeleke  ☎️[08029973136]-☎️2348029973136 he programmes in the Universities are divided into two broad categories, namely: 1. Undergraduate programme 2. Postgraduate programme

Admission Form for National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos Post-utme 20 22/20 23,Jupeb/Direct Entry/Transfer Form Out  Prof Mrs  Adeleke  ☎️[08029973136]-☎️2348029973136 he programmes in the Universities are divided into two broad categories, namely: 1. Undergraduate programme 2. Postgraduate programme