AN ASSESSMENT ON INTERNET USE BY THE STUDENTS OF ZAMFARA COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE, GUSAU

AN ASSESSMENT ON INTERNET USE BY THE STUDENTS OF ZAMFARA COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE, GUSAU

Abstract:

This study is aimed at assessing the use of Internet among students of Zamfara College of Arts and Science. The specific objectives of the study are to; examine the frequency of Internet usage by the students, compare the use of Internet for educational and the non-educational purposes by students, examine the types of Internet resources mostly consulted by students, and assess the challenges faced by students in utilizing Internet facilities in the School. The study employed the New Media theory and Uses and Gratification Theory as theoretical framework. Using the survey method of research, 15-item structured questionnaires were distributed to three hundred (300) students‟ participants drawn from six different programs, namely Diploma in Arts, Diploma in Sciences, Diploma in Social Sciences, IJMB, Consultancy and Remedial programs. Population of the study comprised all students in the College. Proportionate sampling and systematic random sampling technique were used to select the respondents from the population. Data gathered were analyzed and presented through the use of both inferential and descriptive statistic, using Chi-Square test, frequency distribution tables and pie charts. Findings showed that there is no significant relationship between availability of internet and frequency of internet use by the students. The second finding revealed that there is significant difference between Internet use for educational and non-educational purposes by the students of the College. The study further indicated that only 40% of the students use internet for educational purpose. The study also revealed that 4.72% respondents had no Internet access at all. Although effort was made by the College and NITDA to provide Internet facilities, these facilities are inadequate to meet the growing demand of the students. Other challenges faced by the students include, slow speed of Internet connectivity, and erratic power supply. Therefore the study recommends the provisions of alternative power supply adequate Internet facilities with high Internet connectivity and that, computer related study should be made compulsory to all students regardless of their departments.

AN ASSESSMENT ON INTERNET USE BY THE STUDENTS OF ZAMFARA COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE, GUSAU