Abstract

The digital learning technology makes a high impact on performance and students' outcomes as it improves what is learnt and how it is learned. In a bid to reach out to schools in remote areas and improve both academic performance and achievement, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited Joint Venture co-sponsored the development and deployment of an interactive web- based programme known as SkooolNigeria.com for facilitating the teaching and learning of mathematics and science subjects in Nigerian secondary schools. This study evaluated the impact of the digital learning programme on students and teachers. The study also assessed the adequacy of the digital learning environment and tools. The study sample comprised all the programme centers and the beneficiaries (100 students, 20 teachers, and 30 parents) in all the communities where the learning centres are currently located. Information was gathered from the study sample through a structured questionnaire, and physical resource checklist. Mean scores, standard deviation, t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 0.5% level of significance were used in analyzing the study data. The findings indicate that the learning tools, environment and contents were adequate especially in terms of accessibility, availability, suitability and relevance, and currency. The programme has high level of positive impact on the students, teachers and community which included students’ increased interest in science subjects, improved class participation, and teacher competence. There was also a remarkable increase in the number of students opting for science subjects since the beginning of the programme. Recommendations based on these and other findings include: inclusion of the Junior Secondary School (JSS) section in the digital learning programme; creation of sustainability mechanism for the programme; close monitoring and evaluation to ensure proper direction and identify any challenge and gap early enough; development and training of the teachers on ICT; proper maintenance of the tools in the centers by the school authority, Ministry of Education, and the establishment of a complaint and protocol mechanism for students and parents.