Self-Efficacy and Learning Management System Use by National Open University of Nigeria Postgraduate Students, North-Central Community and Special Study Centres

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of self-efficacy on LMS use among postgraduate students at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) community and special study centres in the North-Central region. Using a descriptive survey design, total enumeration was adopted to cover all 1729 postgraduate students in the community and special study centres across the six states of North-Central, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.96 was used to elicit information from respondents via an online Google Form. Of the 1729 responses expected, 1327, representing a 76.7% response rate, were found valid and used for analysis. Research questions were analysed using frequency counts, percentages and mean scores. Linear regression was used to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed moderate LMS use (M = 2.84 ± 0.88) and high self-efficacy (M =3.02 ± 0.93) among postgraduate students. Self-efficacy was also found to significantly influence LMS use among postgraduate students in the community and special study centres of NOUN (β = 0.849, p <0.05). The study demonstrated the need to implement policies such as organising regular LMS training and orientation programmes, providing technical support and user guides, integrating LMS-based
assignments into coursework, improving internet access at study centres, and promoting active lecturer–student engagement on the platform, which will enhance the self-efficacy of postgraduate students and optimise the use of the LMS, which NOUN heavily subscribes to for the benefits of students, instructors and the entire educational system.