Abstract

This paper examined the use of virtual learning on the academic performance of JS 1 Integrated Science Students in Secondary Schools in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. In discussing this, it examined the concept of virtual learning instruction, Synchronous and Asynchronous e-learning as compared to face-to-face traditional classroom learning and the advantages and disadvantages of virtual learning. Quasi experimental design was adopted. Population for the study comprised all JS 1 students in public secondary schools in Port Harcourt Local Government Area. Sample size of 200 students were selected from 2,910 JS 1 students in all the public secondary schools in Port Harcourt Local Government Area using the multi-stage sampling technique. Instrument for data collection was an objective Integrated Science performance test (OIPT). Two hypotheses were formulated and tested using Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANCOVA). Result of the analysis showed that there is no significant difference in student’s academic performance when virtual learning and expository methods are used in teaching Integrated Science in Junior Secondary class (f1.195 = 1.606, p > .05) and that there is no significant difference between the academic performance of female and male students when virtual learning and expository methods are used in teaching Integrated Science in JS 1 (F1, 195 = 717, p > .05). It was therefore recommended that: Teachers should try to apply the virtual learning instruction in the teaching of Integrated Science as this was found to impact on the students achievement positively and that male and female students should be equally engaged in the learning of Integrated Science where VLS is incorp+orated to eliminate the gender bias in sciences.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.