DEVELOPMENT AND USABILITY OF A WEB LEARNING CLASSROOM FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NIGERIA. A CASE STUDY OF ILORIN

IBIRONKE, E. S.; ADEDOKUN-SHITTU, N. A.; AJANI, A. H.; & DANIEL, M

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore the possibility of developing a Web Learning Classroom (WeLClass) and ascertaining its usability in Nigerian secondary schools using some schools in Ilorin, Kwara State as a case study. It was expected that this innovation would open personal learning opportunities to learners at the secondary school level. The WeLClass was designed as a school management system, such that learners can interact with instructional contents uploaded; teachers and school administrators can take attendance and conduct online assessment; and parents can monitor their wards academic progress. This study adopted a design-based approach as its methodology, while the sample size included purposively sampled: 3 Computer Programmers; 3 Educational Technology experts, 3 students’ parents, and 15 computer study students. All samples were selected based on their exposure and knowledge on web application. Three validated research instruments with a reliability value of 0.89 were employed, and three research questions were answered. The findings of the study were that a WeLClass for secondary schools in Nigeria can be developed; the computer programmers, educational technology experts, and parents rated WeLClass as usable; and students’ reaction to WeLClass was excellent. This study concluded that WeLClass gives opportunities for students independent learning; easy conduct of teaching job responsibilities; and monitoring is made easy for parents. This study recommended that school administrators should start adopting WeLClass in their school management and administrative endeavours. This should be aimed at providing seamless educational services to internal and external stakeholders.