Awareness Enhancement on Atomic Energy and Nuclear Technology Applications Using ICT

Abstract

Purpose: There have been a lot of applications of atomic energy and nuclear technology in different development activities in Tanzania but it seems that people are not aware of this. On the other hand, ICT has been reported to enhance the awareness of various issues. It is not known how much ICT takes a role in enhancing the awareness of atomic energy and nuclear applications in Tanzania. This study therefore aimed at uncovering the role of ICT in enhancing awareness of atomic energy and nuclear technology applications in Tanzania. 
 Design/Methodology/Approach: The study used a quantitative method whereby a five scale Likert-scale questionnaire was used to collect data from higher education students and the public. The descriptive statistics and a t-test were used as part of the analysis of the findings. 
 Findings: The results show that generally, most students and people from the public are not aware of the applications of nuclear technology in Tanzania (Mean: 3.18) and most of them (Mean: 3.42) have not been using ICT to get information on nuclear technology application in Tanzania. It was also found that there is a significant difference (p<0.05) between students and the public in both awareness and perception of the use of ICT to increase awareness with a small effect (0.2<d<0.5). 
 Implications/Research Limitations: The study involved university/college students in all fields and also the people from the public from any field and any study level; which may call for more studies on more specific groups. The study focused on Tanzania which may be limited to the environment present.
 Practical Implication: This study is useful in the process of taking necessary measures on increasing awareness among Tanzanians and especially students who can be the future experts in the field of nuclear technology.