Effectiveness and Challenges of Using E-books of Opón Ìmò Computer Tablet for Technology Enhanced Learning in Osun State, Nigeria
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Date
2020-10
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Journal of Information Science, Systems and Technology
Abstract
In 2013, the school system of Osun State in Nigeria distributed computer devices on which it
had installed free pre-loaded textbooks and curriculum-related contents to 25,477 students, as
well as teachers in its public secondary schools, for teaching and learning in the schools. The
devices were intended to be passed on by graduating students from each level to upcoming
students. Shortly after, a debate ensued among those who commended the initiative and those
who called for its abolition on the ground that it failed to achieve its set objectives. However,
the arguments were mostly not based on findings from empirical research conducted in the
school system. This study, therefore, aimed to empirically evaluate the extent to which the
project achieved its set objectives. A total of 426 students and teachers in the school system
who had been using the devices filled out a questionnaire designed for the study, while five
students and four teachers were interviewed. Findings indicate that the project has contributed
in democratising access to education in the secondary schools by making textbooks available
to poor students who previously had no access to recommended texts, and also enabled
thousands of students to improve their information technology skills. However, the project
failed to achieve the objective of enabling students in the school system to excel in certificate
examinations. A review of the project is recommended to address challenges including student
misuse of devices, low teacher morale and weak implementation procedures
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Keywords
Technology enhanced learning, Secondary Schools, Electronic books, Opón Ìmò tablet device, Nigeria