An Assessment of Online Facilitation Processes in the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)

Abstract

PCF10 Sub-theme: Inspiring Innovations // For efficient and effective management of educational delivery, innovations are required. One of such innovations is the online facilitation, which was on a lower scale at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) before the COVID-19 lockdown and now is being improved on. The purpose of this study therefore, is to assess the online facilitation processes at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). A survey design was used. Three research questions were answered and one hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance. 44 facilitators and 161 learners participated in the study, after face validation and reliabilities of the instruments were ascertained. Cronbach Alpha reliability test was used to determine the internal consistency of the instruments which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.929 and 0.846 for facilitators and learners’ instruments respectively. Data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation statistics for the research questions and t-test for hypothesis. Findings from the study showed that NOUN lecturers at the headquarters were highly competent in the identified skills; they were also rated by their students to be effective in communication and class control. It was therefore recommended that the model of operation in NOUN; which include regular training, support from technical staff as well as accessibility to enabling facilities and resources be adopted by other universities in Nigeria that desires to have an efficient online facilitation system. // Paper ID 0349