Online Learning Platforms and Bridging of Digital Knowledge Gap among Postgraduate Students in Akwa Ibom State

Abstract

The advent of computer and internet applications in the 21^st century educational system has led to the emergence and utilization of digital applications for teaching and learning. Hence the academic landscape is evolving to embrace these innovative teaching and learning methods.  This study was carried out to examine online learning platforms and bridging of digital knowledge gap among Postgraduate Students in Akwa Ibom State.  Three objectives and three research questions guided the study. The study explored descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was 188 Postgraduate Students in Education, specifically (PGDE, Masters and Ph.D students in Science Education Programmes) in Akwa Ibom State.  Sample size was 110 Postgraduate Education students selected for the study using accidental sampling technique. A 30 item-questionnaire on ‘Online Learning Platforms in Bridging Digital Knowledge Gap (OLPBDKGQ) was used for data collection and the questionnaire was subjected to face validation.  A reliability coefficient of 0.78 was obtained for the instrument using Cronbach Alpha statistics. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. Findings showed a high level of Postgraduate Education students’ knowledge of online learning platforms, moderate level of access to available online platforms and a high level of students’ utilization of available platforms.  It was concluded that there is high levels of knowledge, access, and utilization of online learning platforms in Akwa Ibom State.  Recommendations among others were that Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) and university management should ensure that all students have equal access to technology resources, including computers and high-speed internet and also make these resources and internet affordable.