CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

E-Learning is known as Web-based learning, online learning, distributed learning, computer assisted instruction or Internet-based learning. It is primarily a web-based system of education that makes information or knowledge available to users or learners. On the whole, E-learning disregards geographic proximity. The application of web-based technologies for educational purposes has increased principally because the costs of adopting such technologies have dramatically decreased. Given this fact, universities are taking advantage of web- based learning and they are utilizing it to complement the face-to-face or traditional approach to learning. Nigerian South East Universities has adopted the E-learning approach to complement its traditional face-to-face method of teaching and learning. In order to improve academic quality, effectiveness and efficiency of E-learning, the universities relies on the blackboard learning system which it structured into three levels to suit different types of learning needs. The three structural levels are: the supportive, blended and full E-learning.

Although the universities have recognized the importance of the role of E-learning as an integral part of its educational process, there are challenges that are impinging on its success. Such challenges have the potential of negatively impacting on the performance of instructors in delivering educational material. E-learning can be characterized as a learning technique created by extensions with carefully provided content, managing administrative structured and mentor support. By the end of the day, E-learning can be said as anything that uses technology entirely using computer systems whether from a separation or physical learning class room setting (computer supporting for learning), this can be a move from traditional learning styles to ICT-based customized, flexible, singular, self-composed, cooperative learning in light of {several} learners, trainers, facilitators, specialists (Jethro, Grace & Thomas, 2012). E-learning is the use of Internet innovations to boost information and performance.

Furthermore, E-learning represents the educational design that combines Information and Communication Technology with the existing type of education to raise the validity of learning methods of procedures. E-learning can be isolated into three main levels which informative level, integrative level and the transformer level. Informative level includes an important group of data for program determinations in other styles of literature, modules and exterior resources. The integrative level includes a lot more unique connections, which swap the physical connections between the teachers and the undergraduates. Last but not least, the transformer level permits the getting started with the genuine resources in to the education frameworks that produces an online learning world. At the point when E-learning is consolidated with customary learning styles for learning as {due to} Saudi Arabia, it is recognized as blended learning (Jabli & Qahmash, 2013). Online direction is one of the parts of the online education that may give benefits towards understudies in their learning. A great deal of establishments of institutions additionally believes that online direction as a competent way in gives a decent brilliance educating to decrease cost (Garbett, 2011). Some of them discovering thinks about utilizing web-based educating would be more powerful than traditional instructing (Angiello, 2010). The report led indicates understudies seeing classes are preferable with synchronous correspondence over having just asynchronous interaction method.

Synchronous allude to the information exchange from the sender and the recipient get to the information in the meantime while, asynchronous interaction is the relay communication with a period slack. For example, asynchronous interaction is occupied with web-based learning are discourse discussion and email. To succeed actualized synchronous understudies should prepare in utilizing the advances. As indicated by Liu, Liu, Lee and Magjuka (2010) variety technique for content examination and communication ought to be planned into online course, including synchronous and asynchronous exercises, for example, a presentation slide, video lectures, video and some specialized strategy like email, webcam discussion. Showing burdens or stipulation of showing right hand are plan to decrease by the extra help for the online teachers (Major, 2010). A portion of the creator alludes to adaptability of E-learning in time which now added to the learning condition (Smyth, Houghton, Cooney and Casey, 2012).

The application of teaching and learning methods that promotes deep and active learning and creativity in learners is the emphasis of the educational system of the present age. A number of scholars have suggested that there exists a strong relationship between learning and creativity and in fact Guilford (1950) states that creativity can be considered as a sub-type of learning (in sited by Truman, 2011). Higher education, as a social institution must function according to the needs of the community, i.e., should nurture individuals that they educate to be creative and thoughtful with high academic ability. To achieve this objective, the traditional teaching methods (lectures, etc.) do not have the required effectiveness, but implementation of e-learning in teaching-learning process could be a way to realize this goal (Zare et al., 2014). E-learning is one of the most important learning environments in the information era. Therefore, efforts and experiences related to this type of learning is given due attention around the world. In Iran, most universities are extensively using this technology. E-learning can benefit self-regulation through the use of self-directed e-learning. It is against this backdrop that the study seeks to examine the impact of E-learning on the performance of music students in Nigeria Eastern Universities.