STUDENTS' ADOPTION AND PARTICIPATION IN E-LEARNING DIGITAL APPLICATIONS DURING COVID-19: A COUNSELLING PERSPECTIVE FROM TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN DELTA STATE

Abstract

This study examined students' adoption and participation in e-learning digital applications tertiary institutions in Delta State during the COVID-19 crisis. Guided by two research questions and corresponding null hypotheses tested at the 0.05 significance level, the study employed a descriptive survey design. The target population consisted of 1,890 students from two institutions, with a final sample of 330 respondents selected through a multistage sampling process. Data was collected using the Students’ Adoption of E-Learning Applications Scale (SAEAS) and Students’ Participation in E-Learning Digital Applications Scale (SPEAS), which were adapted and validated by measurement experts. The instruments’ reliability, determined by using Cronbach’s Alpha, yielded a coefficient of 0.72. Analytical tools included mean, standard deviation and independent sample t-tests. Findings revealed a high level of adoption and participation in e-learning digital applications among students at both institutions. No significant statistical difference was identified between the two institutions. Based on these results, the study recommends structured seminars and workshops to enhance the ICT proficiency of students and lecturers by the institutional authorities