Effects of Digital Learning Platforms on the Teaching of Use of English among Distance Learning Students at the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro

Abstract

Abstract The adoption of digital learning platforms into higher education pedagogy has brought innovation in instructional delivery, particularly within Open Distance and Flexible E-Learning (ODFeL) programmes. Learning Management Systems (LMS) and other digital platforms serve as essential tools for teaching, communication, assessment, and learner engagement. Despite the increasing adoption in Nigerian tertiary institutions, it seems that limited evidence on how these platforms influence students' attitudes towards learning Use of English is yet to be explored. This study examines the effects of digital learning platforms on the teaching of Use of English among distance learning students (both Higher and National Diploma) at the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro. The study identifies the digital learning platforms used in teaching Use of English, examines students' retrospective perceptions of their attitudes before exposure to digital learning platforms, assesses their attitudes after exposure, and identifies the challenges associated with the use of digital learning platforms. The study adopted a descriptive survey design using a retrospective pre-test approach. Data are collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed using frequencies and percentages. The population for the study comprises 60 students, ND1 (15), NDII (15), HND1 (15), and HNDII (15) respectively. The students are randomly selected from the School of Communication and Information Technology, School of Management Studies, and School of Pure and Applied Sciences. The data for the study are analysed from the purview of Technology Acceptance Model and the Community of Inquiry Framework. The findings are expected to provide evidence-based recommendations for improving the delivery of language courses within Open Distance and Flexible E-Learning (ODFeL) programmes.