DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE AS CORRELATES OF EQUITABLE ACCESS TO OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA

Abstract

Abstract

This paper examined digital infrastructure as correlates of equitable access to open educational resources in Federal universities in South East Nigeria. Four research questions and four null hypotheses guided the study. This study adopted correlation survey research design. The population of the study comprised 161 librarians in the five federal universities in South-East Nigeria. The census sampling technique was adopted for the study since the number is within a manageable size.  The sampling method was considered appropriate because it allows statistical enumeration and participation of all members of the population in the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire developed by the researcher titled “Questionnaire on Digital Infrastructure” (QDI) and“Questionnaire on Equitable Access to Open Educational Resources” (QEAOER). The items for both instruments were measured using a 4-point Likert scale. The questionnaire was subjected to face validity to 2 experts from Department of Educational Foundations (Measurement and Evaluation Unit) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Cronabch Alpha was used to determine the internal consistency of QDI and QEAOER and coefficient values of 0.78 and 0.83 were obtained. Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to answer the research questions, while linear regression was used to test the null hypotheses at a 0.05 alpha level. The finding revealed that there is a weak positive and non- significant relationship between internet connectivity, software applications and equitable access to open educational resources in federal universities in South-East, Nigeria. It was recommended amongst others that federal universities in South East Nigeria should establish well-equipped digital learning hubs and adopt device loan schemes that provide students particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds access to laptops and tablets.