INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORMS FOR EDUCATION LEARNERS AND ACADEMIC OUTCOME IN KASHIM IBRAHIM UNIVERSITY

ABSTRACT This study examined students’ perceptions, usage patterns, and challenges associated with online learning platforms at Kashim Ibrahim University (KIU). A total of 336 students participated in the research, representing various age groups and academic levels. The study employed a quantitative survey design to collect data on students’ experiences with online learning tools, their accessibility, usability, content quality, and the effectiveness of these platforms in supporting academic activities. The findings revealed that the majority of students actively engage with online learning platforms, with high preference for informal and easily accessible applications such as WhatsApp, followed by Google Classroom and Zoom. Institutional platforms like Microsoft Teams and Moodle were least utilized, suggesting limited awareness or inadequate integration into the university’s learning structure. Most students reported using personal devices to access online learning, although challenges such as poor internet connectivity, high data costs, unstable power supply, and limited digital skills significantly hindered their participation. Overall, students expressed positive perceptions of online learning platforms. Most respondents agreed that the platforms are easy to navigate, user-friendly, and accessible across devices. They also indicated satisfaction with the clarity, relevance, and currency of uploaded learning materials. Furthermore, students acknowledged that online learning enhances their understanding of course content, improves academic performance, and promotes self-directed learning. Despite these positive outcomes, students highlighted recurring technical and infrastructural challenges that affect the effectiveness of online learning. The study concludes that while online learning platforms have improved flexibility and access to educational resources at KIU, addressing issues related to internet quality, affordability, and instructional feedback is essential for maximizing their impact. The results underscore the need for enhanced institutional support, improved digital infrastructure, and continuous optimization of online learning systems to better meet students’ academic needs.