Preference and Attitude to Online Learning Among University of Lagos Undergraduates at Post-Lockdown Resumption: Implications for Counselling.

Abstract

One of the innovative impacts of information technology in teaching and learning is the availability of different online teaching systems to facilitate learning amongst students. The importance of the various online teaching mechanisms in Nigeria was appreciably enhanced and utilized as a means of curbing the spread of COVID-19 on the resumption of academic activities after a long period of government-imposed lockdown. One of the systems adopted by the university of Lagos like other institutions of higher learning in Nigeria is the Learning Management System (LMS). Before the COVID-19 pandemic, regular undergraduate students were taught by face-to-face contact. With the change in medium of teaching, it was necessary to investigate students’ preference and attitude towards online learning to serve as feedback for future policy adjustment and implementation. This paper investigated students’ preference and attitude towards online learning at post-lockdown resumption of academic activities in the University of Lagos. A descriptive survey research design was adopted with a sample of 467 undergraduates selected from 3 Faculties using a snow ball sampling technique. Results obtained from analyses of data revealed that 57% of respondents prefer face-to-face contact learning to online learning, while 40% of respondents had a negative attitude to online learning. A significant gender difference is observed in preference and attitude to online learning. There is also a significant relationship between students’ preference and attitude to online learning. Recommendations made in line with the findings include a collaborative effort of school management, centre for information system unit (CITS) and counselling unit of the university in creating awareness on the importance of online teaching as a medium of learning at critical periods like this.