Preparation for Future Learning: The Case of Rural Communities in Nigeria

Abstract

Preparation for future learning is crucial to economic development and poverty eradication because ignorance is the modern slavery of backwardness. Nigeria's population is increasing daily. With this growing population, there is a need for self-study, home study, Internet, or online study to meet the pressing worldwide demands for literacy training employing distance instruction. Internet use is linear in Nigeria, with forecasts of Internet users reaching 187.8 million in 2023. This study examines the preparation of rural communities in Nigeria for future learning; examines infrastructures and resources available that can facilitate future learning; and also explores the means and approaches to changes future learning systems through the lens of education learning theories. The theory of connectivism was employed. Based on the quantitative approach, this study used a questionnaire to collect data from rural residents of 2,377 samples and utilized SPSS v. 25 for descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Internet availability and affordability are central to future learning, especially in the angle of emerging technology intervention in future learning systems. This result shows that the location of the Internet user's residence and the frequency of Internet use depend on the Internet's cost. The excluded rural areas can leverage the Internet for flexible online programs and courses to reduce the alarming illiteracy rates.