Utilisation of E-Learning and E-Reporting Technologies among Agricultural Lecturers of Tertiary Institutions in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

 This study examined the utilization of e-learning and e-reporting technologies among agricultural lecturers in tertiary institutions in Imo State, Nigeria. The objectives were to describe respondents’ socio-economic characteristics, ascertain the level of utilization of these digital platforms for research dissemination, and identify the socio-economic factors influencing technology utilization. A sample of 150 lecturers was selected through purposive and proportionate sampling across four institutions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Findings showed that most respondents were male (60.7%), with a mean age of 42 years, and highly educated (91.4% held postgraduate degrees). Agricultural researchers demonstrated high levels of engagement with several digital platforms, with ResearchGate and Zoom/Google Meet being the most widely used (mean scores of 2.74 and 2.59, respectively). Conversely, Moodle and the Open Science Framework were the least utilized (0.45 and 0.55). Multiple Regression results revealed that sex, marital status, educational level, membership in social organizations, monthly income, access to ICTs, and work experience significantly and positively influenced utilization, while household size was not significant. The study recommends strengthening ICT infrastructure and broadband access, providing continuous digital literacy training, developing institutional policies that support digital research dissemination, and fostering partnerships with technology providers and open-access platforms.

Keywords: Utilization, E-learning, E-reporting, Agricultural Researchers, Tertiary Institutions, Imo State