Effects of Moodle Platform on Learning Outcomes in Agricultural Science among University Students in North-Central, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the effects of MOODLE Platform on learning outcomes in Agricultural Science among university students in North-Central, Nigeria. The researcher used quasi-experimental design (pretest, posttests, non-randomized, non-equivalent experimental and control groups design). The population of the study was 4,562 students. The sample size for the study comprised 237 students from two Universities in North-Central, Nigeria drawn from the population. The research instrument was developed by the researcher and validated by two experts, from the Department of Educational Technology, Federal University of Technology, Minna. To determine the reliability of Agricultural Science Achievement Test (ASAT), Spearman Brown Coefficient was used to analyse the data that was collected from ASAT administered to the students using SPSS version 20, a reliability coefficient of 0.81 was obtained which is above the bench mark of 0.70. This shows that the instrument was reliable. To determine the reliability of Agricultural Science Satisfaction Questionnaire (ASSQ), Cronbach Alpha was used to analyse the data collected and a reliability coefficient of 0.85 was obtained which shows that the instrument was reliable. To determine the reliability coefficient of Agricultural Science Interest Inventory (ASII), Cronbach Alpha was also used and when analysed, a reliability coefficient of 0.75 was obtained which showed that the instrument is suitable for the categories of students in this study. Three research questions guided the study: while the three hypotheses formulated were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Frequency counts, mean and standard deviation (SO) were employed to answer the research questions while t-test was used to test the hypotheses. Findings showed significant difference between the students taught using MOODLE Platform and those taught using lecture method. It was concluded that MOODLE Platform should be employed to teach Agricultural Science. It was also recommended that MOODLE Platform be used in teaching and learning process among others.