Abdullahi Idris, Isma’il Mato , Abubakar yusha’u

Keywords: E-learning, Challenges, Polytechnics Education, Virtual Learning, Computer-based Learning, collaboration

Abstract

There are significant challenges and prospects of e-learning in Nigerian polytechnic education. The process and applications of e-learning technologies include computer-based learning, web-based learning, virtual learning, network learning, tele-learning, blended learning, hybrid models, internet learning, computer-assisted learning, online classroom and digital collaborations where contents is delivered via the internet/extranet, audio, video, tapes, satellite TV and CD ROM. In Nigerian polytechnics the commonest type of e-learning adopted is inform of lectures. Education is the foundation of innovation and development. The role of e-learning in teaching and learning process cannot be overemphasized. E-learning is one of the most efficient tools for advancing knowledge, skills and development in any nation. It is necessary for quality education in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Education refers to the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or polytechnic. The act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment and generally preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life. This paper provides the concepts, benefits, challenges and prospects facing e-learning education in Nigerian polytechnics. The purpose of this study is to identify the challenges and prospects of e-learning in Nigerian polytechnics. The paper recommends that government at all levels; non-governmental organizations and private sectors should assist to equip polytechnic’s e-learning centers with modern equipment for effective delivery of lectures to students with e-learning technologies. E-learning represents an entirely new learning environment where information and communication systems, whether networked learning or not, serve as specific media to implement the learning process for students. In response to the fast development in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), e-learning was therefore adopted by many universities and other higher institutions around the globe as a way of improving and supporting their teaching-learning activities and making education accessible for all society members. Unfortunately, this rapidly changing technological resource along with the ever growing and mobile society has no doubt created many challenges for students, teachers, parents, administrators and policymakers particularly in developing countries. This actually made the paper to assess the e-learning structure in term of physical infrastructure and human development at the Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna State, Nigeria through data collected both by structured interview and questionnaires. The analyses of which the states of development are at low realm therefore, call for a robust synergy that will be able to meet and cope with the test of the time.