Opportunities and Challenges in Distance and Online Education in Covid-19 Era, Lessons for Developing Countries: A Study of Nigeria Students in Various Universities

Abstract

The emergence of internet technology has brought profound growth in the learning culture of tertiary institutions across the globe. Unfortunately, most third world nations, Nigerian schools are yet to fully embrace this alternate learning process due to issues like poor network system, the financial cost of acquiring data amongst others. However, the effect of covid-19 pandemic globally and the disruptions of social and economic activities occasioned by it has far-reaching implications on societies in general and the educational sector in particular. Thus, based on this note, this study investigated the opportunities and challenges that accrue to distance and online learners during the covid-19 era. The study anchored on the evolutionary theory because it effectively explains the changes in learning pattern during the pandemic. A descriptive survey research design was used in the study. Questionnaire and observation were used as the data collection instruments. Data collected were presented in tables and processed using simple percentages statistical method. Findings indicate that most universities in Nigeria relied on distance and online education during the covid-19 era however, computer literacy and the financial cost of data was a major challenge to students. Therefore, the study concludes and recommends that, school authorities add computer literacy as one of the criteria for admission to encourage computer literacy and that, parents/guardians provide funds for their wards to enable them buy data.