An Investigation into Use of Technology for Online Learning in Taraba State University, Nigeria

The innovative use of technology in promoting quality student learning offers significant opportunities for increased access to education, flexibility in developing skills, and personalized learning. This focus became a policy priority, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, making effective policies regarding technology use critical. With schools across the country now shifting towards distance education and prospecting for online learning, analyzing education in the context of technological trends is to bring the future into the present and examine the chances to be ready for future of education. This study examines the role of technology in online learning at Taraba State University, Jalingo, and proposes a model for integrating ICT into online education. Utilizing a descriptive survey design with a quantitative approach, the research involved 660 respondents selected through multi-stage sampling, including administrators, teachers, and students. Grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Activity Theory, the study assessed the relationships among variables such as ICT availability, challenges, ease of use, and actual use of ICT. The analysis revealed positive direct effects of ICT availability and ease of use on its application, alongside a negative indirect effect of challenges of ICT on use of ICT. SSITAAMS model was proposed as exploratory model for online learning as well as recommendations for policy practice were also provided.