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Leveraging Artificial Intelligence Tools for Student Support Services in Open and Distance Learning Study Centres in Rivers State

Mohammed Naphisa, Blessing Wey-Amaewhule

Abstract

This study examined the potential of leveraging artificial intelligence tools to enhance student support services in Open and Distance Learning study centres in Rivers State. Three objectives, three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was 1,269 students in open and distance learning programmes in study centres in Rivers State. A sample of 254 students (105 males and 149 females) were randomly selected. A self-structured questionnaire titled: "Leveraging Artificial Intelligence tools for Student Support Services in Open and Distance Learning Questionnaires" was used for the study. The instrument was face and content validated by two experts from the Department of Measurement and Evaluation, and Department of Educational Management and tested for reliability using Cronbach Alpha statistics which yielded reliability indexes of 0.82, 0.89 and 0.78. Mean and standard deviation was used in answering the research questions while the null hypotheses were tested using z-test at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that students have positive perceptions toward artificial intelligence tools for improved service delivery: chatbots for administrative support, learning management systems for academic support and predictive analytics for counselling support. The z-test results further indicated non- significant gender differences across the hypotheses. Based on the findings, it was recommended that institutions should prioritize investment in digital infrastructures, capacity building and establishment of supportive policy frameworks to ensure sustainable and ethical implementation of artificial intelligence tools in open and distance learning institutions.

Keywords

Artificial IntelligenceChatbotsLearning Management SystemsPredictive AnalyticsOpen and Distance LearningStudent Support Services

References

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