Assessment of Digital Language Laboratory Resources for Teaching and Learning Spoken English in Universities in Ekiti State

Abstract

The general purpose of this study was to assess DLL resources for the teaching and learning of spoken English in universities in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined availability, accessibility and utilization of DLL resources as well as skills possessed by instructional personnel in guiding students' use of the resources; problems affecting their effective utilization; and strategies for improving utilization. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study was conducted in three public universities offering English Language programmes in Ekiti State. Population comprised 837 respondents (769 students and 68 instructional personnel). Two sets of questionnaires were used for data collection. Data was analysed using mean, standard deviation t-test at 0.05 level of significance. Findings show that more of the DLL resources were slightly available (X̅g =2.49) and generally had low accessibility (X̅g =2.41). Although students used the available resources to a high extent, usage was mainly limited to guided instructional activities. Instructional personnel demonstrated high skills (X̅g =3.07) in DLL-based instruction. Major constraints included unstable electricity, poor internet connectivity, inadequate funding, poor maintenance, insufficient staff training, and weak institutional support. Respondents supported increased funding, improved infrastructure, regular maintenance, staff development, enhanced access, and supportive institutional policies to improve DLL utilization.