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The Influence of Digital Communities in Promoting Students' Engagement in Open Distance Learning Environments

Aleru, Gladys Ejimole, PhD and Iheanyichukwu, Princewill Ovunwo

Abstract

The study examined the influence of digital communities in promoting students' engagement in open distance learning environments. To achieve the purpose of the study, the researcher formulated three (4) objectives, research questions and hypotheses to guide the study. The research design used is descriptive research design. The population of the study consists of 1,885 students drawn from National Open University of Nigeria. The sample size of the study was 330 students. The sample technique used was simple random sampling technique and Taro Yamane was used to determine the sample size. The instrument used for data collection was self-structured questionnaire. The instrument was validated by two experts in the Department of Educational Management and two other experts in Measurement and Evaluation, Faculty of Education. The reliability through Cronbach Alpha was used to establish the reliability of the instruments which obtained a reliability coefficient of 0.88. The research questions were answered using descriptive statistics while the null hypotheses were tested using Independent T-test at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that these communities play a critical role in enhancing learning outcomes by offering spaces for connection, support, and knowledge exchange. However, the study recommended that Institutions should invest in robust digital platforms, educators should actively moderate and participate in digital communities. Digital communities should be accessible and incentivize participation in digital environments as part of course assessments to encourage engagement.

Keywords

DigitalCollaborationLearningStudent and Engagement

References

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