Digital Confidence and the Use of Learning Management Systems among Academic Staff in Nigerian
Digital confidence refers to the ability, competence, and self-assurance individuals possess in using digital technologies effectively. Learning Management Systems (LMS) are open-source software packages used to manage all aspects of the learning and teaching processes. LMS is used for administrating, documenting, tracking, reporting, automating, and delivering educational contents of different types, such as courses, training programs, learning and development programs. This study examined digital confidence and the use of Learning Management Systems (LMS) among academic staff in Nigerian tertiary institutions. A descriptive survey design was adopted, involving 300 lecturers selected through stratified random sampling from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Data were collected using the Digital Confidence and Learning Management Systems Utilization Questionnaire (DCLMSUQ), which recorded a reliability coefficient of 0.87 using Cronbach Alpha. Data analysis employed frequency counts, percentages, mean scores, standard deviation, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Findings revealed that lecturers possessed moderate digital confidence and moderately utilized LMS platforms for teaching and learning activities. The study established a significant positive relationship between digital confidence and LMS utilization. Male lecturers, younger lecturers, and those with fewer years of teaching experience demonstrated higher digital confidence and LMS usage than their counterparts. Major challenges affecting LMS adoption included poor internet connectivity, unstable electricity supply, inadequate ICT infrastructure, insufficient institutional support, and limited digital training opportunities. The study concluded that improving digital confidence would enhance LMS utilization among academic staff in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Keywords: Digital confidence, Learning Management Systems, Academic staff, E-learning, Nigerian tertiary institutions, Digital literacy.
