Web-Based Tools and Effective Delivery of Distance Learning for Tertiary Education in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigerian Universities cannot admit more than a quarter of candidates seeking places in the Universities. There is, therefore, the need for evolving an alternative means of providing University education for this marginalized group. The paper dealt with the form Distance Learning should take in this regard and the media that can be utilized. There are avalanche of web-based tools that can be effectively used to enhance communication, demonstrate concepts in interesting way, get other teachers’ opinions about teaching issues, help students develop team work skills, and learn the use of internet responsibly, manage students records, enhance participation and assignments; improve students’ writing and research skills; motivate students to learn;  create websites, send e-newsletters, and write collaborative documents with colleagues or students. These web-based tools include on-line forums, chats, conference management, learning management system, mailing list, weblog, simulation, collaborative management, on-line survey; wiki; webquest; school management; picture management; and content management system. Despite the availability of these tools, most Nigerian Universities are not adequately utilizing them. Factors militating against their application and use and how they can be remedied were suggested.  The paper identified the features and workings of some of the tools and how they can be used to facilitate effective delivery of Distance learning, and how they can be adopted or adapted to suit our peculiar situations.

Key Words: Universities, Media, Nigeria, Education, Distance learning, Tertiary education, Technologies and Admission.