Distance Learning as a Mechanism for Knowledge Acquisition and Utilisation

Abstract

Distance learning (DL) holds several potential benefits for individuals, especially as a mechanism for acquiring and utilizing knowledge that enhances performance. This study delves into distance learning as a strategy devised to gain and use knowledge. While adopting the descriptive survey research method in its inquiry, the study also utilized data generated through a well-structured questionnaire set from a population of 8337, drawn from undergraduates in 10 Federal and State owned universities in the five (5) South-Eastern states of Nigeria. The Krejcie and Morgan 1970 sample size determination formula generated a sample size of 369, while the sampling technique deployed is the stratified sampling. The survey instrument was content and face-validated by academic and industry experts. The instrument was also subjected to a reliability test using the Cronbach Alpha, and it produced a coefficient of 0.894 signifying high reliability. The collected data was then analyzed using the regression analytical tools of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The result revealed that distance learning has a statistical and positive relationship with knowledge utilization. It further concluded that DL improves the capability to obtain pre-requisite educational knowledge that is crucial in any knowledge economy especially as it relates to undergraduates in institutions of higher learning.