IMPACT OF E-LEARNING PLATFORMS ON SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIA DURING POST-PANDEMIC ERA IN KEBBI STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of e-learning platforms on the academic performance of senior secondary school students in Kebbi State, Nigeria, in the post-pandemic era. The study employed a correlational research design. The population comprised 3,200 senior secondary school students, from which a sample of 320 was selected through stratified random sampling to ensure equitable representation across schools and classes. Data were collected using a researcher-designed instrument, “E-Learning Platform Usage and Academic Performance Scale (ELPUAPS). The instrument was validated by experts in educational technology and measurement. Reliability coefficient of 0.87 using Cronbach’s alpha. Self-administered questionnaires were employed for data collection. Mean and standard deviation, Pearson correlation analysis were conducted at a 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed that limited use of e-learning platforms could negatively influence students’ academic outcomes, emphasizing the need for interventions to enhance platform engagement. While engagement positively affected academic performance, actual interactive and participatory behaviors on the platforms remained low, indicating a gap between perceived benefits and practical utilization. A significant relationship was found between the frequency of e-learning platform usage and students’ academic performance. Based on these findings, the study recommended that schools and educators organize training workshops to improve students’ understanding and comfort with e-learning tools, incorporate interactive and participatory activities such as quizzes and discussion forums to promote meaningful engagement, and implement policies that encourage frequent platform usage, including incentives, grading integration, or minimum participation requirements, to maximize the educational benefits of e-learning technologies and improve academic outcomes.