An Appraisal of the Functionality, Adequacy and Use of ICT Tools to Enhance Web-Based Learning in Benue State University, Makurdi
Tor, Shiekuma Felix1; Wisdom, Audrey Gambo2 & Ezekiel, Paul3
1Department of Library and Information Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
2Kashim Ibrahim Library, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
3E-Library Section, Nigerian Defense Academy Library, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Email: talk2felixo@gmail.com; audreywisdom70@gmail.com; paulmcaye@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The study appraised the functionality, adequacy and use of ICT tools to enhance web-based learning in Benue State University, Makurdi. The population of the study included undergraduate students in the Benue State University, Makurdi. Simple random sampling was used in selecting the respondents. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study, with a total population of 18, 729 students. A sample size of 375 students was used. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire. In analyzing the data, frequency table and simple percentage were used. The findings, revealed that, ICT tools in the Benue State university were functional but grossly adequate. The study equally brought to bear that the use of ICT tools enhances WBL in minimal ways such as accessing the Internet, doing assignments via web platforms, and browsing web-based materials. Poor Internet connectivity and inadequate ICT tools posed a major challenge to engaging ICTs in web-based learning. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the services of more maintenance engineers should be engaged to ensure constant functionality of ICT tools by checking, repairing and servicing them. Provisions should be made by the university management for yearly deployment of ICT tools. Web experts should be invited during orientation exercises to expose students to the functionalities of web-based learning and how they can maximally benefit from it, and investment in sound internet connectivity should be prioritized by both government and the university management.
Keywords: Adequacy, Functionality, Web-based Learning, Benue State University, ICT tools, Use
