Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

Artificial Intelligence Tools and Student Learning Outcomes in Open and Distance Learning in South-South Region, Nigeria

Soli Roger and Elesia Faith Okwuchi

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and student learning outcomes in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institutions in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The rapid advancement of AI technologies has transformed educational landscapes worldwide, with significant potential for enhancing educational access, quality, and outcomes in distance education programs, particularly in South-South region. Three objectives and research questions guided the study. A correlational survey research design was employed, with a population of 1290 undergraduate students enrolled in the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) within the South-South geopolitical zone. A sample of 291 undergraduate students was selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected via two sets of online structured questionnaire titled “Artificial Intelligence Questionnaire” and “Students Learning Outcome Questionnaire”. The questionnaire was validated by three experts, while the reliability of the instrument was established using Cronbach Alpha method. The data analyzed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC). The findings revealed a high positive relationship between the use of ChatGPT and student learning outcomes (r = 0.88), between the use of Grammarly and student learning outcomes (r = 0.83), and between the use of plagiarism detection software and student learning outcomes (r = 0.85). Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended, among others, that promoting the use of AI tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly, mandating the use of plagiarism detection software, and addressing infrastructural and digital literacy gaps to maximize the benefits of AI in ODL.

Keywords

Artificial intelligenceLearning OutcomesOpen and Distance LearningChatGPTGrammarly

References

Brookings Institution. (2024). AI in the Global South: Opportunities and challenges towards more inclusive governance. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/articles/ai-in-the-global- south-opportunities-and-challenges-towards-more-inclusive-governance/ Brookings Institution. (2024). AI in the Global South: Opportunities and challenges towards more inclusive governance. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/articles/ai-in-the-global- south-opportunities-and-challenges-towards-more-inclusive-governance/ Distance Learning Institute. (2024). Challenges and realities of distance education in developing countries. Retrieved from https://distancelearning.institute/growth-philosophy/challenges- realities-distance-education-developing-countries/ Farhan, N. D., Sadiq, B. H., Zwayyer, M. H., & Arnout, B. A. (2024). The impact of using artificial intelligence techniques in improving the quality of educational services/case study at the University of Baghdad. Frontiers in Education, 9, https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1474370 Farhan, N. D., Sadiq, B. H., Zwayyer, M. H., & Arnout, B. A. (2024). The impact of using artificial intelligence techniques in improving the quality of educational services/case study at the University of Baghdad. Frontiers in Education, 10, 1530247. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1530247 Frontiers in Education, 9, 1474370. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1474370 Frontiers in Education. (2025). Artificial intelligence in higher education institutions: Review of innovations, opportunities and challenges. Frontiers in Education, 10, 1530247. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1530247 Nwuke, T. J., & Yellowe, A. N. (2025). Utilization of Artificial Intelligence in School Supervision for Effective Administration in Public Secondary Schools in Rivers State, Nigeria. International Journal of Educational Management, Rivers State University., 1(1), 318-334. Osuji, C. U., & Ginikachi, F. V. (2025). ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE APPLICATIONS FOR ENHANCING SCHOOL SUPERVISION IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN RIVERS STATE. Frontiers in Education. (2025). Artificial intelligence in higher education institutions: Review of innovations, opportunities and challenges. IntechOpen. (2024). Open and distance learning: Achievements and challenges in a developing sub-educational sector in Africa. Retrieved from https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/39188 International Council for Open and Distance Education. (2025). Transforming the world through inclusive education. Retrieved from https://www.icde.org/ Opportunities for Africans. (2024). Commonwealth Distance Learning Masters Scholarships 2024/2025 for developing Commonwealth countries. Retrieved from https://www.opportunitiesforafricans.com/commonwealth-distance-learning-masters- scholarships-2024-2025/ ResearchGate. (2024). Open and distance learning education: Benefits and challenges in developing countries. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380127003_Open_and_Distance_Learning_Edu cation_Benefits_and_Challenges_in_Developing_Countries Taylor & Francis. (2021). Digital divide framework: Online learning in developing countries during the COVID-19 lockdown. Globalisation, Societies and Education, 19(4), 457-472. https://doi.org/10.1080/14767724.2021.1981253 World Economic Forum. (2024). The future of learning: AI is revolutionizing education 4.0. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/04/future-learning-ai- revolutionizing-education-4-0/ World Economic Forum. (2024). The future of learning: AI is revolutionizing education 4.0. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/04/future-learning-ai- revolutionizing-education-4-0/

More Articles from WORLD JOURNAL OF INNOVATION AND MODERN TECHNOLOGY