The diffusion of instructional video technique among open and distance learners in Nigeria

Abstract

The National Open University of Nigeria in 2014 introduced instructional video technique to enhance distance learning and expected students to embrace it to improve their learning capacity. However, students' awareness and adoption of the technique has not been assessed. This study investigated NOUN students' awareness, perception and adoption of the technique within the first 24 months of its introduction. Anchored on the technology diffusion of innovation theory, the research sought to discover the awareness level, and attitude of students and their adoption of the initiative within the period. Survey method was used with structured questionnaire administered to 120 respondents selected purposively from four study centres in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Owerri, and Abuja. Data were analyzed using simple percentage and cross tabulation. Findings show that the percentage of students who knew about and adopted it was still quite low after two years of its introduction. The majority of the students, however, showed a positive disposition towards the new method of teaching. The result further showed that most of the students got their information about it from their colleagues, rather than from the official communication channel of the university. The study concluded that even though the instructional video technology was positively perceived, most of the target students were not aware of it in good time due mainly to poor communication. The paper recommends that in future, the introduction of any innovative, technology-based idea, especially targeted at students, should be properly publicized in order to secure popular cooperation of the key target audience.