INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE APPROACHES TO DELIVERING HANDS-ON SCIENCE CONTENT IN OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING
Abstract
Building sustainable and inclusive science education systems requires innovative strategies that ensure equitable access to hands-on learning experiences, particularly within Open and Distance Learning (ODL) environments. Science education is inherently experiential; however, ODL institutions often struggle to deliver practical components due to limited physical laboratory access, infrastructural constraints, and dispersed learner populations. Using the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) as a case study, this research investigates innovative and sustainable approaches to delivering hands-on science content in ODL. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, targeting 300-level science education students enrolled in SED305 (Practicum in Science Teaching) at NOUN. Data were collected from 157 students across ten study centres using a validated questionnaire on innovative and sustainable approaches to hands-on science content delivery. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Findings reveal that limited access to laboratory equipment, inadequate technical support, and unstable internet connectivity constitute major challenges to effective practical science delivery. Despite these constraints, emerging tools such as smartphone-based experiments, simulations, virtual laboratories, and immersive technologies were perceived as effective in enhancing learner engagement, conceptual understanding, problem-solving skills, and retention of scientific concepts. Learners demonstrated strong positive perceptions and confidence in using innovative and sustainable instructional approaches. The study concludes that integrating technology-enhanced, pedagogically sound, and sustainability-oriented strategies is essential for strengthening hands-on science education in ODL contexts. Recommendations are provided to guide institutional investment, curriculum integration, capacity building, and policy development to support sustainable science education delivery.
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