Measuring the levels of sources of ICT self-efficacy among the Humanities and Social Sciences undergraduates in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Measuring the levels of sources of ICT self-efficacy of undergraduates in Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) of universities especially in Sri Lanka has not been adequately explored. In this study, therefore it is aimed to make an effort to address this important issue. The main objective of this research study was to identify the levels of the factors that are affecting the ICT self-efficacy among the HSS undergraduates in Sri Lanka and the differences between the factors based on the university. The survey research design was employed and final year HSS undergraduates from four universities were selected randomly, out of ten universities where HSS streams are taught. The sample included 604 undergraduates. Data gathered through structured questionnaire was piloted and validated. The data were subjected to descriptive statistics. The results identified four factors affected with the efficacy level of the undergraduates. It indicated that the ICT Self-efficacy levels and ICT Anxiety were varying between less (22%) and highest (50%) across universities. Factors such as ICT Training (27%) and Library Support provided (32%) by the universities were also in the lowest level. The ICT Self-efficacy was low (29%) among students who used the library ‘rarely’ (< 2 per week) and average level of anxiety 47%. ICT Anxiety and ICT Self-efficacy were the most strongly correlated factors in the study (-0.144, p = 0.01). However, the gender was largely diluted and not correlated with self-efficacy. The introduction of effective Library Support and ICT Training would help reduce the higher levels of ICT Anxiety and improve the ICT Self-efficacy level among undergraduates. The study recommends conducting a cross-sectional, longitudinal research study to better understand the levels of ICT Anxiety, ICT Training and the Library Support.