Use of Asynchronous Videos for Teaching Distance Learning Students in the Distance Learning Centre, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Abstract

The rise of online and distance learning programs has presented both new opportunities and challenges to educators. One of the most significant challenges in distance learning is creating an engaging and effective learning environment for students. Asynchronous video is one of the solutions for this problem. This study examined the use of asynchronous videos for teaching of Distance Learning students in the Distance Learning Centre, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The study addressed three objectives: to determine the extent of satisfaction of distance learning students with asynchronous videos used in teaching a course in the program, to determine the advantages of using the video for teaching and to ascertain the extent to which the video covers the study material. The population of the study consisted of the 137 students that registered for the course in the 2022/2023 June Session of the Program. This study adopted a quantitative research approach using a descriptive survey research design. A Google form was used to design the questionnaire for the study. 118 students duly filled the questionnaire that was posted on the WhatsApp group for the course. Data collected for the study were analyzed using descriptive statistics, specifically frequency counts and percentages. The analyzed data were presented in tables for easy interpretation and discussion. The findings show that majority of the students 82(69.5%) were satisfied with the asynchronous video. The result also revealed that the major advantage with the use of asynchronous video was the ability to rewind and re-watch the videos as indicated by 87(73.7%) of the distant learners. The study then recommended that the Distance Learning Centre should adopt the use of asynchronous videos the supplement the synchronous mode provided on their Learning Management system. Also, e-tutors on the program should be trained on the use of asynchronous video content creation.