EXPLORING STUDENTS’ VIEWS ON DETERMINANTS OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS OF E-LEARNERS IN A NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY
EXPLORING STUDENTS’ VIEWS ON DETERMINANTS OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS OF E-LEARNERS IN A NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY

Summary/Abstract: The Nigerian educational system is today beset by numerous problems. None of these is more genuine and tenacious than students’ poor academic performance across all educational levels. This is one of the greatest drawbacks to educational advancement. The purpose of this paper was to explore students’ views on factors influencing academic performance of e-learners. The population consisted of all students from second year to fourth year of the National Open University, South West geo-political zone. The respondents were asked to express their views on factors perceived to influence their academic performance. The study employed a qualitative study design as a means of carrying out the research. The sample of the study was made up of 48 respondents from the University which were selected using purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through focus group interviews, the interviews were audiotaped and transcribed, and data was analyzed through thematic analysis. The results of this study revealed factors such as computer reliance and knowledge, benefit of Internet, prior ICT experience, collaborative learning, parent influence – ICT literacy, self-efficacy and motivation and progressive use of computer and benefits as factors perceived by the students to influence their academic performance. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that distance e-learners should be encouraged to register for ICT training before being admitted into higher institutions. It was also recommended that the management of the university should give open access to the Internet and e-mail in the university by establishing ICT learning resource centres that give room for students to access relevant software, applications and technology of any form.

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