Impact of E-Learning Platforms on Academic Experience at National Open of University of Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of e-learning platforms on academic experience at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), focusing on three critical dimensions: accessibility, usability, and content quality. Employing a mixed-methods approach with a sample of 384 students from the Faculty of Management Sciences, the research combined quantitative surveys with qualitative thematic analysis. The findings reveal that all three factors significantly predict academic experience, collectively explaining 75.86% of its variance. Usability emerged as the strongest predictor (β = 0.3225), followed by accessibility (β = 0.3632) and content quality (β = 0.2294). Qualitative analysis identified three key themes: Technical Barriers (unstable internet, high costs), Adaptive Learning Benefits (flexibility, self-paced study), and Content Engagement Needs (demand for interactive materials). The results align with the Technology Acceptance Model, demonstrating that while accessibility remains a foundational requirement, user-centered platform design represents the most crucial factor for enhancing academic experience. The study provides a strategic framework for NOUN's e-learning optimization, recommending prioritized investments in usability enhancement, infrastructure improvement, and content innovation to better serve its diverse student population in a digital learning environment.