Evaluating Online Architectural Education Resources Used by Nigerian Students: A Digital Humanities Metadata Survey

Abstract

The proliferation of online architectural education resources has transformed learning globally, yet Nigerian students face challenges in accessing and effectively utilizing these materials due to infrastructural limitations, platform barriers, and underrepresentation of local content. This study aimed to evaluate the online architectural education resources used by Nigerian students through a digital humanities metadata survey, with specific objectives to identify and classify resource types, to assess accessibility, to analyze usage metrics, and to evaluate resource diversity. A quantitative data-based methodology was employed, using metadata extracted from 200 digital resources accessed by students across various platforms, including YouTube, Coursera, Archnet, OpenCourseWare, and university repositories. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and calculation of accessibility scores, usage metrics, and resource diversity indices to quantify patterns of engagement, availability, and representational breadth. Findings revealed that video lectures (24%) and MOOCs (11%) were the most accessible and widely used resources, while textbooks, 3D models, and institutional repositories exhibited lower accessibility and engagement. Platforms with high visibility, such as YouTube, recorded the highest usage scores (NUI = 8.4), whereas university repositories were least utilized (NUI = 4.1). The diversity analysis showed a moderate overall diversity index (0.53), with African architecture being underrepresented (RDI = 0.38). Cross-tabulations indicated that high accessibility positively influenced usage, but resource type and diversity were unevenly distributed. In conclusion, while Nigerian students benefit from open-access and visually rich resources, gaps in accessibility, usage, and content diversity limit equitable learning. It is recommended that institutions enhance access to high-value resources, improve repository visibility and usability, and develop locally relevant digital content to strengthen architectural education outcomes.

Keywords: Online Architectural Education Resources, Nigerian Students, Digital Humanities & Metadata Analysis