INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGICAL TOOLS ON DISTANCE LEARNING IN NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, ASABA, DELTA STATE

The study examined the influence of technological tools on distance learning in National Open University of Nigeria, Asaba, Delta State. Three research questions and three null hypotheses guided the study. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consisted of 340 students consisting of 140 males and 200 females. A sample size of 81 students from National Open University, Asaba were selected through stratified random sampling technique. A self -developed questionnaire titled: “Influence of Technological Tools on Distance Learning Environment Questionnaire” was used to collect data for the study. The instrument was validated by two experts in Measurement and Evaluation and the Department of Educational Management. Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient method was used to measure the internal consistency of the instrument which yielded reliability coefficients of 0.87 and 0.86. The instrument was administered and retrieved on the spot. The data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions while the null hypotheses formulated were tested using z-test at 0.05 level of significance. The finding reveals that zoom enables one to participate actively in virtual classroom, provide an effective platform for real time interaction with instructors. The finding also reveals that Google classroom provide a user-friendly interface, making it convenient for students to find the information they need. The finding reveals that WhatsApp has improved communication between instructors and students regarding course work. In view of the above, it was recommended among others that government should improve electricity and other communication facilities in both urban and rural areas so as facilitate the smooth running of the programme.