IMPACT OF E-LEARNING ON MUSIC ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE (A STUDY OF SELECTED UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH EAST, NIGERIA)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

E-Learning is known as Web-based learning, online learning, distributed learning, computer assisted instruction or Internet-based learning. It is primarily a web-based system of education that makes information or knowledge available to users or learners. On the whole, E-learning disregards geographic proximity. The application of web-based technologies for educational purposes has increased principally because the costs of adopting such technologies have dramatically decreased. Given this fact, universities are taking advantage of web- based learning and they are utilizing it to complement the face-to-face or traditional approach to learning. Nigerian South East Universities has adopted the E-learning approach to complement its traditional face-to-face method of teaching and learning. In order to improve academic quality, effectiveness and efficiency of E-learning, the universities relies on the blackboard learning system which it structured into three levels to suit different types of learning needs. The three structural levels are: the supportive, blended and full E-learning. Although the universities have recognized the importance of the role of E-learning as an integral part of its educational process, there are challenges that are impinging on its success. Such challenges have the potential of negatively impacting on the performance of instructors in delivering educational material. E-learning can be characterized as a learning technique created by extensions with carefully provided content, managing administrative structured and mentor support. By the end of the day, E-learning can be said as anything that uses technology entirely using computer systems whether from a separation or physical learning class room setting (computer supporting for learning), this can be a move from traditional learning styles to ICT-based customized, flexible, singular, self-composed, cooperative learning in light of {several} learners, trainers, facilitators, specialists (Jethro, Grace & Thomas, 2012). E-learning is the use of Internet innovations to boost information and performance. Furthermore, E-learning represents the educational design that combines Information and Communication Technology with the existing type of education to raise the validity of learning methods of procedures. E-learning can be isolated into three main levels which informative level, integrative level and the transformer level. Informative level includes an important group of data for program determinations in other styles of literature, modules and exterior resources. The integrative level includes a lot more unique connections, which swap the physical connections between the teachers and the undergraduates. Last but not least, the transformer level permits the getting started with the genuine resources in to the education frameworks that produces an online learning world. At the point when E-learning is consolidated with customary learning styles for learning as {due to} Saudi Arabia, it is recognized as blended learning (Jabli & Qahmash, 2013). Online direction is one of the parts of the online education that may give benefits towards understudies in their learning. A great deal of establishments of institutions additionally believes that online direction as a competent way in gives a decent brilliance educating to decrease cost (Garbett, 2011). Some of them discovering thinks about utilizing web-based educating would be more powerful than traditional instructing (Angiello, 2010). The report led indicates understudies seeing classes are preferable with synchronous correspondence over having just asynchronous interaction method. Synchronous allude to the information exchange from the sender and the recipient get to the information in the meantime while, asynchronous interaction is the relay communication with a period slack. For example, asynchronous interaction is occupied with web-based learning are discourse discussion and email. To succeed actualized synchronous understudies should prepare in utilizing the advances. As indicated by Liu, Liu, Lee and Magjuka (2010) variety technique for content examination and communication ought to be planned into online course, including synchronous and asynchronous exercises, for example, a presentation slide, video lectures, video and some specialized strategy like email, webcam discussion. Showing burdens or stipulation of showing right hand are plan to decrease by the extra help for the online teachers (Major, 2010). A portion of the creator alludes to adaptability of E-learning in time which now added to the learning condition (Smyth, Houghton, Cooney and Casey, 2012).The application of teaching and learning methods that promotes deep and active learning and creativity in learners is the emphasis of the educational system of the present age. A number of scholars have suggested that there exists a strong relationship between learning and creativity and in fact Guilford (1950) states that creativity can be considered as a sub-type of learning (in sited by Truman, 2011). Higher education, as a social institution must function according to the needs of the community, i.e., should nurture individuals that they educate to be creative and thoughtful with high academic ability. To achieve this objective, the traditional teaching methods (lectures, etc.) do not have the required effectiveness, but implementation of e-learning in teaching-learning process could be a way to realize this goal (Zare et al., 2014). E-learning is one of the most important learning environments in the information era. Therefore, efforts and experiences related to this type of learning is given due attention around the world. In Iran, most universities are extensively using this technology. E-learning can benefit self-regulation through the use of self-directed e-learning. It is against this backdrop that the study seeks to examine the impact of E-learning on the performance of music students in Nigeria Eastern Universities.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Due to the deplorable state of educational system in Nigeria there is need to look at the inadequate teaching –learning facilities and infrastructures. The call for application of E-learning in schools is to infuse and inject efficiency and effectiveness in the teaching-learning process. E-learning is challenged with the problems of material devices such as computer, computer laboratories, fax and wireless applications, digital library, videophone systems and teleconferencing devices, digital classrooms, internet and E-mail facilities, multimedia systems and the problem of multimedia courseware development among others in a developing country like Nigeria (Global Information Technology Report, 2010). Audio-visual learning materials that are hardly utilised as a result of incessant power outages and sometimes lack of awareness on the part of the students are being used by most of the Libraries in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Various learning approaches are being put in place to compensate for the problems occasioned by this traditional learning paradigm which the teacher is determining what to teach, how to teach and thus, less concern about the students that is are at the receiving end. The field of teaching, training and development in the developed world is already influenced by e-learning. For example online instruction has the potential to provide opportunities for reflective and integrating learning outcomes. This approach provides the students adaptive personalised e-learning because it is a general term used to refer to computer-enhanced learning. It may involves the use of mobile technologies such as personal digital assistants and MP3/MP4 player and includes the use of web-based teaching materials and hypermedia in general, as rooms or web-sites, discussion boards, collaborative software, e-mail, blogs, wikis, text chart, computer aided assistant, educational animation, simulation, games, learning management software et cetera. Nigerian tertiary educational institutions in the 21st century increasingly rely on various forms of electronic delivery system and communication facilities that are available in markets as requirements for educational flexibility for survival. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the impact of e-learning on music undergraduate student’s academic performance.

1.3 AIMS OF THE STUDY

The major purpose of this study is to examine on impact of e-learning on music academic performance. Other general objectives of the study are:

1. To examine the role of computer skills on music students academic performance.
2. To examine the effectiveness of e-learning application to undergraduate music students.
3. To examine the impact of e-learning on undergraduate music students academic performance.
4. To examine the constraints of e-learning application on academic performance of undergraduate music students.
5. To examine the relationship between e-learning application on learning style of music undergraduate students and academic performance.
6. To make recommendations on the possible ways to develop e-learning strategies that will enhance academic performance.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What are the roles of computer skills on music student’s academic performance?
2. What is the effectiveness of e-learning application to undergraduate music students?
3. What is the impact of e-learning on undergraduate music student’s academic performance?
4. What are the constraints of e-learning application on academic performance of undergraduate music students?
5. What is the relationship between e-learning application on learning style of music undergraduate students and academic performance?
6. What are the possible ways to develop e-learning strategies that will enhance academic performance?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

Hypothesis 1

H0: There is no impact of e-learning on undergraduate music student’s academic performance.

H1: There is a significant impact of e-learning on undergraduate music student’s academic performance.

Hypothesis 2

1. There is no significant relationship between e-learning application on learning style of music undergraduate students and academic performance.
2. There is a significant relationship between e-learning application on learning style of music undergraduate students and academic performance.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The present study has great significance. First of all, the study findings provide an idea about the e-learning aspects and academic performance in order to provide key information to further research work in such areas. In the same way, the study provides knowledge and guidelines to that may be of help to policymakers. The research is therefore of importance for planners, and other social scientists. Finally, this study provides an input to the students, teachers and researchers in the areas of e-learning. Research works are embarked upon with a view to extending the frontier of knowledge. The present study was therefore carried out with this same objective, especially in the field of e-learning. It has therefore, contributed to the extension of the frontier of knowledge in the following ways. First, the study has shown the predictive power of the selected factors, especially socio-demographic factors, prior computer skills and time management status in the determination of the academic performance.

1.7    SCOPE OF THE STUDY 

The study is based on impact of e-learning on music academic performance: a study of selected undergraduate students of universities in South East, Nigeria.

1.8 LIMITATION OF STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.8 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

E-learning: A learning system based on formalised teaching but with the help of electronic resources is known as E-learning. While teaching can be based in or out of the classrooms, the use of computers and the Internet forms the major component of E-learning.

Academic Performance: Academic performance is the extent to which a student, teacher or institution has achieved their short or long-term educational goals. Cumulative GPA and completion of educational benchmarks such as secondary school diplomas and bachelor's degrees represent academic achievement.