POTENTIALS OF E-LEARNING FOR NATIONAL SECURITY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page———i

Certification——–ii

Dedication———iii

Acknowledgement——-iv

Abstract ———vi

Table of Content——–vii

Chapter One

1.0 Introduction ——-1

1.1 Statement of Problem——4

1.2 Purpose of the Study——5

1.3 Significance of Study——8

1.4 Limitation——–9

1.5 Scope of Study——-11

Chapter Two

2.0 Review of Related Literature —-12

2.6 Summary of Literature Review—- 19

Chapter Three

3.0 Research Methodology and Procedure—22

3.1 Population ——–22

3.2 Sample and Sampling Technique—-22

3.3 Validation of the Instrument —-23

3.4 Reliability of the Instrument —–23

3.5 Data Analysis——-23

Chapter Four

4.0 Presentation and Discussion of Result—24

4.1 Analysis and interpretaion of Data—25

4.2 Discussion of Results——38

Chapter Five

5.0. Summary, Conclusion, and Recommendation  –40

5.1 Summary——–40

5.2 Conclusion——–41

5.3 Recommendation——42

References ———45

Appendix 1——–47

Appendix ———50

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background to study

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are now worldwide phenomena that have implications for various forms of educational institutions. Digital technologies such as e-learning are catalysts to enormous changes in instructional process because of the effect they have on information source, knowledge acquisition, classroom interactions, time, place and pace of teaching and learning. Hence; electronic learning has become the focus of global attention (Colbeck, 2003). Universally, the use of e-learning to support teaching and learning has expanded learning opportunities within the traditional education setting, yet e-learning is not free of challenges.

E-learning is the use of technology to enable people to learn anytime and anywhere. Horton (2001) argued that, e-learning gives learners an opportunity to broaden their knowledge because they can learn on their own and  that increases learners’ level of confidence and independence.

The Civil Defence Academy was established to achieve the vision to train and develop men and officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to be proactive in the discharge of their duties and to demonstrate high level of discipline, commitment and humility in service delivery to the nation. The essence was to restore the needed level of confidence among the Nigeria populace on issues related to security of lives and properties. To achieve this objective, Civil Defence Academy was established with the primary objective of equipping the men and officers of the Corps with modern knowledge about Information Technology. This was matched with the establishment of E-Learning Unit and other Information and Communications Technology (ICT) related units for officers and men of the Corps.

1.                       STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are having a radical impact on educational methodology globally. Studies have indicated that there is inadequate supply of trained teachers for e-learning, lack of facilities, infrastructures and equipment (Jegede and Owolabi, 2003). Further challenges of e-learning in Nigeria include; high cost of bandwidth access, inadequate skilled manpower, inadequate fund of the educational system, resistance to change from traditional means and method of teaching by lecturers, resistance to change from traditional means and method of learning by students, amongst others.

E-Learning in Nigeria educational institutions are challenged by the new technologies in terms of availability and use. In lieu of the above, the study is carried out to determine the extent of availability and use of e- learning materials in Civil Defence Academy and Nigeria at large.

2.                       RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The general objective of this study is to address and analysis the state of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure supports towards e-learning in Civil Defence Academy.

The specific objectives are as follows:

1. To examine the availability of e-learning materials in Civil Defence
2. To examine the extent of application and use of the available e-learning materials by staff, students, administrators and
3. To provide the strategies for improving e-learning application in Civil Defence

            SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

An attempt to embark on this study might provide a diagnostics basis for solving problems or challenges facing e-learning as well as knowing the prospects of e-learning in Nigerian university education. It might also help to change the altitude of students as well as teachers/lecturers towards e-learning. Also, it will find out the role of Government to the development of e-learning through the provision of e-learning equipments.

In addition, it will make the teachers/lecturers, Students and government to be aware of the challenges and prospects of e-learning in Nigerian university education.

            DEFINITION OF TERMS

Prospects: Prospects is from the Latin word prospective which means “a view or outlook”. A prospect is a way of looking ahead and expecting good things, a possibility that something fabulous or great will happen. It is like potential in that it is something that might be but is not yet. There is also the potential for something bad to happen, but prospects usually look good.

Challenges: Challenges refers to a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome.

E-Learning: E-learning refers to electronic learning. This means using a computer to deliver part, or all of a course whether it is in a school or a full distance learning course.

Education: Education refers to the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university. The act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgement and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life.

University Education: This refers to an optional final stage of formal learning that occurs after secondary education. It is otherwise known as higher education, post – secondary education, tertiary education or third-level education.

Distance Education: Distance education refers to a method of studying in which lectures are broadcasted or classes are conducted by correspondence or over the internet, without the students needing to attend a school or college.