THE IMPACT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN NIGERIA INSTITUTION LIBRARIES A CASE STUDY OF FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC ILARO LIBRARY SYSTEM {WITH HISTORY OF JOHN HARRIS AND BENSON IDAHOSA LIBRARY SYSTEM}

  

ABSTRACT

Computing technology, communication technology, and mass storage technology are some of the areas of continuous development that reshape the way libraries access, retrieve, store, manipulate, and disseminate information to users. ICT has impacted on every sphere of academic library activity especially in the form of the library collection development strategies, library building and consortia. ICT presents an opportunity to provide value-added information services and access to a wide variety of digital based information resources to their clients. Furthermore, academic libraries are also using modern ICTs to automate their core functions, implement efficient and effective library cooperation and resource sharing networks, implement management information systems, develop institutional repositories of digital local contents, and digital libraries: and initiate ICT based capacity building programmes for library users. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has brought unprecedented changes and transformation to academic library and information services, conventional LIS such as OPAC, user services, reference service, bibliographic services, current awareness services, document delivery, interlibrary loan, audio visual services, and customer relations can be provided more efficiently and effectively using ICT, as they offer convenient time, place, cost effectiveness, faster and most-up-to-date dissemination and end users involvement in the library and information services process. The impact of ICT characterized on information services by changes in format, content and method of production, and delivery of information products. Emergence of the Internet as the largest repository of information and knowledge, changed role of library and information science professionals from intermediary to facilitator, new tools for dissemination of information and shift from physical to virtual services environment and extinction of some conventional information services and emergence of new and innovational web based. Considering the enormous benefits that are experienced in the impact of ICT in Nigerian university libraries, the Nigerian academic libraries still experience some obstacles or hindrances in the effective and efficient use of the ICT resources in the library.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0    INTRODUCTION

With the invention of Information and Communication Technology, libraries now use various types of technologies to aid the services they render. Everyday new technological advances affect the way information is handled in libraries and information centers. The impacts of new technologies are felt by libraries in every aspect. Computing technology, communication technology and mass storage technology are some of the areas of continuous development that reshape the way that libraries access, retrieve, store, manipulate and disseminate information to users. The academic library has been from its inception an integral part of institutions of higher learning, rather than an appendix or adjunct.

            Oyedun (2007) defines academic libraries as those libraries that are mainly found in tertiary institutions, they are established to support learning, teaching and research processes. Over the past twenty seven years, academic libraries have been affected by changes in information and communication technology. The rate of changes is still accelerating in this area. The introduction of various information technology (ICT) trends has lead to reorganization, change in work patterns, and demand for new skills, job retraining and reclassification positions. Technological advancement of the past twenty five years, such as the electronic database, online services, CD-ROMs and introduction of internet has radically transformed access to information.   Rana (2009) opines that ICT holds the key to the success of modernizing information services. Applications of ICT are numerous but mainly it is used in converting the existing paper-print records in the entire process of storage, retrieval and dissemination.

ICT has impacted on every sphere of academic library activity especially in the form of the library collection development strategies, library building and consortia. ICT presents an opportunity to provide value-added information services and access to a wide variety of digital based information resources to their clients. Furthermore, academic libraries are also using modern ICTs to automate their core functions, implement efficient and effective library cooperation and resource sharing networks, implement management information systems, develop institutional repositories of digital local contents, and digital libraries: and initiate ICT based capacity building programmes for library users.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has brought unprecedented changes and transformation to academic library and information services, conventional LIS such as OPAC, users services, reference services, bibliographic services, current awareness services, Document delivery, interlibrary loan, Audiovisual services and customer relations can be provided more efficiently and effectively using ICT, as they offer convenient time, place, cost effectiveness, faster and most-up-to-date dissemination and end users involvement in the library and information services process. The impact of ICT characterized on information services by changes in format, contents and method of production and contents and method of production and delivery of information products. Emergence of internet as the largest repository of information and knowledge, changed role of library and information science professionals from intermediary to facilitator, new tools for dissemination of information and shift from physical to virtual services environment and extinction of some conventional information services and emergence of new and innovational web based.

1.1    AIMS OF THE STUDY

i. To determine the usefulness of ICT resources in academic libraries.
ii. To determine the efficiency and effectiveness of ICT in academic library.
iii. To determine the challenges associated with the application of ICT in Nigerian academic libraries.

1.2    BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in libraries is holding a strong position in every ramification of library holdings and services. The introduction of ICT in librarianship necessitated retooling and acquisition of the skills required to operate in the global information society. The capacity of users to exploit the ICT depends on the level of literacy, education and mastery of the technologies convened. Menuo (2002) noted that the situation on ground requires retooling of information professionals as the potentials of the information age cannot be realized without expanding the scope of information and computer literacy. He reiterated that people should be sensitized to be able to use stand alone computers, use computer networks, primarily the internet, use basic applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, and electronic mail and possibly more advanced ones such as presentations, production of web pages, construction of websites, use of digital multimedia equipment and programs. The use of this is for the use of information resources that can be found in the internet. ICT is the convergence between the computer and communication technologies, ICTs are technologies used to communicate and to create, manage and distribute information. Such technologies include computers, the internet, telephone, television, radio and audiovisual equipment. However, this definition has been expanded to include any device and application used to access, manage, integrate, evaluate, create and communicate information and knowledge.

 

 

1.3    STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Considering the enormous benefits that are experienced in the impact of ICT in Nigerian University Libraries, the Nigerian academic libraries still experience some obstacles or hindrances in the effective ad efficient use of the ICT resources in the library. Today, ICT acquisition and implementation is facing a lot of problems. This research work is being conducted to expose some of the inhibiting factors that are hindering the impact of ICT on Nigerian academic Libraries. Among the militating factors hindering the impact of ICT on Nigerian academic Libraries are a lot of capital investment to buy hardware’s, software’s and standby generators for the library. Lack of search skills, automation at infancy level, epileptic power supply, and technical know - how are some of the problems encountered by the academic libraries.

1.4    PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The general purpose of this research work is to evaluate the impact of ICT on Nigerian academic libraries. This research work also highlights the advantages or merit associated with ICT on academic libraries in Nigeria.

1.5    LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study aimed at examining the impact of ICT in libraries services in Nigeria with a case study of Ilaro polytechnic library system and also traces briefly the history of library in Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive survey method. The questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. The data collected were analyzed with the use of tables and Chi – square. (x2)

 

1.6    SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
i. This study is expected to provide a basis for comprehensive information on information and communication technology procurement and application in Nigeria University Library.
ii. The study will established the existing gaps in the adoption of information and communication technology in the operations of academic library in achieving their statutory functions.
iii. The output of this study will serve as a blueprint for libraries, information managers/information scientists, researchers, lecturers, students, and teachers to chart the right course of action for the use of information and communication technology in furthering education through policy formulation and implementation.

1.7    SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This research work is on the impact of ICT on Nigerian University Libraries using Federal Polytechnic Ilaro library system as a case study with the history of John Harris library (Benin City) and Benson Idahosa university library (BIU).this research work shows the outcome of using ICT in library system.
1.8    RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Q1.  To what extent has information and communication technology been           employed in Nigerian university libraries?
Q2.  How efficient and effective is the use of ICT resources in Academic Libraries
Q3.  Does the staff of the academic Libraries have the required knowledge and            skills in using ICT resources?

 

1.9    RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

The following nun hypotheses were tested in the study.

Ho1: There is no significant difference in the availability of ICTs in collection management between university and special libraries in the region

Ho2: There is no significant difference in the application of ICTs in collection management between university and special libraries in the region

Ho3: There is no significant difference in the facilities used for collection management between university and special libraries in the region

 

1.10  DEFINITION OF TERMS

For the proper understanding of this research work, various terms were used as explained below:

ICT: this means Information and communication Technology

Networking: Networking is defined as the act of making contact and exchanging information with other people, groups and institutions to develop mutually beneficial relationships, or to access and share information between computers.

Computer: A computer is electronic devices which accept data as input process the data as instruction and give out the result or output known as information.

Library: A library is a collection of sources of information and similar resources, made accessible to a defined community for reference or borrowing. It provides physical or digital access to material, and may be a physical building or room, or a virtual space, or both.  A library's collection can include books, periodicals, Newspapers, manuscripts, films, maps, prints, documents, microform, CDs, cassettes, videotapes, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, e-books, audio books, databases, and other formats. Libraries range in size from a few shelves of books to several million items. In Latin and Greek, the idea of a bookcase is represented by Bibliotheca. The first libraries consisted of archives of the earliest form of writing the clay tablets in cuneiform script discovered in summer, some dating back to 2600 BC.

A library is organized for use and maintained by a public body, an institution, a corporation, or a private individual. Public and institutional collections and services may be intended for use by people who choose not to or cannot afford to purchase an extensive collection themselves, who need material no individual can reasonably be expected to have, or who require professional assistance with their research. In addition to providing materials, libraries also provide the services of librarians who are experts at finding and organizing information and at interpreting information needs. Libraries often provide quiet areas for studying, and they also often offer common areas to facilitate group study and collaboration. Libraries often provide public facilities for access to their electronic resources and the Internet. Modern libraries are increasingly being redefined as places to get unrestricted access to information in many formats and from many sources.

Software: Computer software, or simply software, is a part of a computer system that consists of data or computer instructions, in contrast to the physical hardware from which the system is built. In computer science and software engineering, computer software is all information processed by computer systems, programs and data. Computer software includes computer programs, libraries and related non-executable data, such as online documentation or digital media. Computer hardware and software require each other and neither can be realistically used on its own.

The processor carries out the instructions in the order they are provided, unless it is instructed to "jump" to a different instruction, or is interrupted (by now multi-core processors are dominant, where each core can run instructions in order; then, however, each application software runs only on one core by default, but some software has been made to run on man

DATA BASE: Database is an organized collection of data. It is a collection of schemas, tables, queries, reports, views, and other objects. Database designers typically organize the data to model aspects of reality in a way that supports processes requiring information, such as (for example) modeling the availability of rooms in hotels in a way that supports finding a hotel with vacancies.

A database-management system (DBMS) is a computer-software application that interacts with end-users, other applications, and the database itself to capture and analyze data. A general-purpose DBMS allows the definition, creation, querying, update, and administration of databases. Well-known DBMSs include

I.        MySQL,                                  VI.     PostgreSQL,

II.       MongoDB,                                       VII.    MariaDB,

III.      Microsoft SQL Server,                    VIII.   Oracle, Sybase,

IV.     SAP HANA,                           IX.     MemSQL,

V.      SQLite                                    X.      IBM DB2.

A database is not generally portable across different DBMSs, but different DBMSs can interoperate by using standards such as SQL and ODBC or JDBC to allow a single application to work with more than one DBMS.

OPAC: An online public access catalog (often abbreviated as OPAC or simply library catalog) is an online database of materials held by a library or group of libraries. Users search a library catalog principally to locate books and other material available at a library. ... OPAC is the gateway to library's collection

WWW:  The World Wide Web (abbreviated WWW or the Web) is an information space where documents and other web resources are identified by Uniform Resource Locators (URLs), interlinked by hypertext links, and can be accessed via the Internet. English scientist Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web in 1989.

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The utilization of Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to improve mathematics education students’ achievement and interest in mathematics in the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1            Background of the Study

A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is a web based software system designed to facilitate learning and teaching with the use of tools and activities (Joint Information System Committee, JISC, 2009a). Students using a VLE can be given a ‘task’ to complete in class or at their own pace, time and location, they can contribute to synchronous and asynchronous discussions to help them develop their learning (JISC, 2009b).

The way academic practices respond to the influence of computer networks and technology is central to immediate and future role of educators in creating a viable teaching and learning environment. Fuller and Soderlund (2002) argue that the process of legitimising knowledge is a social process. Whereas knowledge is related to social action, information is conceived as a flow of messages enabling the creation of knowledge, therefore learning mathematics is adopted as way of better livelihood rather than a necessary burden for survival. The driver of academic practices through virtual learning is that of the creation of one’s own knowledge which amplifies the process of creating meta-conceptual understanding. Today, technology resources are vital to creating an environment that is interactive and personalised. Web-based information systems including online data resources have continued to be more prevalent in our educational activities. Greenwood (2010) states that students, teachers and school administrators face the growing challenge of accessing data from a variety of sources.

A VLE has many benefits and functions that would support students’ progression in their courses, particularly the special educational needs students in areas such as out-of schools learning, personalised, immediate in-class and out of school assessment (Becta, 2007). A Virtual Learning Environment is a set of teaching and learning tools designed to enhance a student’s learning experience by including computers and the internet in the learning process. The use of e-bulletin boards and blogs for information sharing among lecturers and students increases communication. Live slides transmission in the course of lectures with incorporated live questioning and answers preview to be used alongside traditional teaching method of mathematics. Video chat and call or e-conferencing between lecturers and students is incorporable with live slides via WebPages or other dedicated software, therefore, face to face communication is not left out.

Mathematics topics in complex functions, cyber mathematics, geometry, vectors, longitude and latitude, spaces, matrices, milling and curvature, rotations and linear motions are visualized due the presences of 3-D features graphs plotters, equation calculators, and automated table generator.

A VLE provides components in which learners and tutors participate in several on-line interactions, including on-line learning (Silva, Costa, Rogerson, & Prior, 2007). Remote or online utility software such as online calculators, graph plotters are easily accessible. Students learning from different sources increase acquaintance with the subject matter and develop different possible methods of attempting mathematical problems. Interactive blackboards are easy to setup in VLE. The principal components of a VLE package include curriculum mapping (breaking curriculum into sections that can be assigned and assessed), student tracking, online support for both teacher and student, electronic communication (e-mail, threaded discussions, chat, Web publishing), and internet links to outside curriculum resources (TechTarget, 2009). The VLEs offer the ability to schedule a range of learning activities and make tools available rather than just manage content (Sclater, 2009). Attendance to lectures is fast tracked, so students absent from the course of a lecture can easily retrieve materials of the past lecture such as lecture notes or recorded contents. Lecturers could post lecture contents for future lectures if unavoidable absent, so there is no excuse of non-follow up by students and non-coverage of syllabus by the lecturer. Furthermore, different teaching methods could be adopted to include lecture method, traditional teaching method, individualized learning and programmed learning. The adaptation of different teaching methods helps acquaintance of students in mathematics courses.

Closely related to the VLE are other e-learning platforms such as the PLE (Personal Learning Environment), the LMS (Learning Management System) and the VU (Virtual University).  The Virtual University is a term used to describe courses flexibly designed to meet individual requirements without lecture halls, classrooms, labs or a campus run by a management office (Ryan, B Scott, H. Freeman & D. Patel, 2000:3) describe a virtual university as: (a) “an institution which is involved as a direct provider of learning opportunities to students and uses information and communication technologies to deliver its programmes and courses and provide tuition support; and (b) An organization that has been created through alliances/partnerships to facilitate teaching and learning to occur without itself being involved as a direct provider of instructions”.

Users are able to explore social situations and “try out” different behaviour responses for a variety of simulated social interactions (Kerr, Neale, & Cobb, 2002). There is increased interaction among students with their lecturers because peer phobia is eliminated, so therefore, all students have equal ability irrespective of ego or psychological stress which could possibly be manifested in the traditional learning environment.

Uploading of files or multimedia to be downloaded by students in the form of text, videos, audio files, images, animations, interactive programs writing in flash and java applets, PowerPoint slides, web-based programs in JavaScript or Dynamic Hypertext Makeup Language (DHTML), Computer Aided Designs software (CAD) files, word processing files, CorelDraw and spread sheet and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) documents. For mathematics students the most important computer software of the current generation is Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB) which has features that covers a lot of subject matter in mathematics. Therefore, a VLE is the most important platform for the use of MATLAB.

A number of VLE software packages are available including Blackboard, Fronter, WebCT, Lotus Learning Space, Moodle and (Common Open Software Environment) COSE. The virtual learning environment which serves as supportive tool in education can enable appropriate modification in curriculum, teaching methods, personalised assessment, educational resource, medium of communication or the learning environment, thereby catering for individual differences in learning (Ministry of Education, 2009).

Embedded Computer based testing features for quick assessments/examinations with almost automatic and immediate feedback and documentation, summative evaluation is made easy. Virtual marking of theory examination give reliable backup of feed to non-multiple choice examination, therefore, scanning and processing units are easily setup in a VLE for examination booklet for the storage of soft copies of examination answer booklet for security reasons, virtual marking on portable electronic devices and computerized compilation and processing of result, quick retrieval accessibility for remark and inspection, and for accreditation by educational bodies, institutional use and otherwise. 

Students/Lecturers cloud storage systems and databank for storing relevant files containing calculations, formula to reduce storage of hard materials and increased accessibility, therefore information backup is a one click procedure. Students/lecturers profile is easily accessible for easy contact. Student’s access to the universities e-library is made easier and its importance is greatly emphasized. Students web dairy and timetable for self planning. Alarm notification and reminder systems on mobile devices enhance time management and keeping to activities, these could be built in to the VLE.

In this 21st century, the convergence between computers and communications has created ‘virtual’ communities and organisations in all fields and that have resulted in the reduction of the barriers of time and distance. These barriers were preventing collaboration on a wide range of tasks and activities. Because of these new developments, “it is now technologically feasible for students and teachers from all over the world to ‘meet’, collaborate, and exchange views” (Quinton, 2010, p. 331).

New information technologies help to improve the design and production of resources and educational environments but often lead to a permanent demand for professional updating. Online courses can address these needs producing results beyond expectations but if a VLE is well setup with appropriate Learning Management Systems (LMS) or  Content Management Systems (CMS),  the VLE could easily be modified and errors be fixed from anytime or place by remote connections with no delay.

1.2            Statement of the Problem

Within the African context, the use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is most predominant in the area of business and only few application and innovation of ICT in Education. For this reason students especially of the tertiary institutions see modern technology as distraction to their academic pursuit rather than an added advantage. This is because our students are very less motivated and informed in the use of technology in education due to the fact that the use of Virtual Learning Environment as an integral tool in the teaching and learning process in the higher institutions is seen as to expensive or too advanced for undergraduate level of education.

Feedback is integral to teaching and learning process, therefore, mathematics as field of study requires a step by step learning process or procedural acquisition of knowledge require feedback as quick as possible, in other words immediate feedback from mathematics students will help their lecturers in preparing for the next lecture in improvising teaching methods and restructure of lecture content to be adopted and appropriate teaching aids for instructing. For the mathematics students, feedback from the lecturer in the form result of test or examination has a negative impact in their study if not released with the shortest possible time frame. Mathematics needs a lot of practice to get acquainted with by a learner, so therefore, adequate resources are to be put in place to ensure that students are monitored both in school and outside the wall of the school.

1.3     Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to ascertain the efficacy of using VLE on Mathematics Education Students’ achievement and interest in mathematics related courses in Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. Specifically the study will;

1.     determine whether mathematics students improve on their mathematics achievement due to the use of VLE.

2.     determine whether mathematics students improve on their mathematics interest due to the use of VLE.

3.     determine which gender improves more in their mathematics achievement due to the use of VLE.

4.     determine which gender improves more in their mathematics achievement due to the use of VLE.

 

1.4     Research question

The following questions were raised for the study

1.     What are the mean achievement scores of  Mathematics Education students taught mathematics using VLE and those taught using conventional method?

2.     What are the mean interest ratings of Mathematics Education students taught mathematics using VLE and those taught using conventional method?

3.     What are the mean achievement scores of male and female Mathematics Education students taught mathematics using VLE?

4.     What are the mean interest ratings of male and female Mathematics Education students taught mathematics using VLE?

1.5     Research hypothesis

For the experiment and study, the following hypothesis have been formulated

1.     H₀: There is no significant difference in the mean achievement scores of Mathematics Education students taught mathematics using Virtual Learning Environment and those taught using conventional method.

2.     H₀: There is no significant difference in the mean interest ratings of Mathematics Education students taught mathematics using Virtual Learning Environment and those taught using conventional method.

3.     H₀: There is no significant difference in the mean achievement scores of male and female Mathematics Education students taught mathematics using Virtual Learning Environment.

4.     H₀: There is no significant difference in the mean interest ratings of male and female Mathematics Education students taught mathematics using Virtual Learning Environment.

1.6     Significance of the Study

The outcome of this study may serve as a source of enlightenment for guardians and parents of students, other discipline of the institution, organizations and cooperate bodies on the importance, uses, features, outline for the implementation and testing of the Virtual Learning Environment.

It will also serve as a reference material for curriculum developers, mathematics associations and cooperate bodies and stakeholders of higher education in mathematics basically for interrelating traditional learning environments with the virtual learning environment.

Finally, it will serve as a proper documentation for Virtual Learning Environment developers and a source of guide for implementation. The research details will be made available in the school libraries and if possibly published for easy access for other future research, innovation and reference in print or on the approved internet websites.

1.7     Scope of the Study

The study is concerned itself with determining, the efficacy of Virtual Learning Environment on Mathematics Education students’ outcome in their achievement and interest in mathematics.

The Department of Science Education Mathematics Education students comprise of students with the following degree options:

·        Mathematics/Statistics

·        Mathematics/Computer and

·        Statistics /Computer.

The Study will be at University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria.

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Format: MS-Word

Pages: 68

Chapters: 1-5