Science Students' Use of the Internet for Learning in Higher Institutions in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The Internet is one technology that has impacted tremendously on the sociological fabric of man. In the field of education, it serves as a library of knowledge from where virtually all information could be obtained. Knowledge of how well higher institution students use the Internet for learning may enable their lecturers take appropriate decisions on their instructional practices. In this study, data was obtained from four 435 purposively selected students in the Faculties of Science of six higher institutions in Osun State, Nigeria using a researcher-designed questionnaire. The results show that 63.8% of the students indicated they used the Internet for learning. It was found out that there was no significant difference between male and female students' use of the Internet for learning and there was no significant difference in the students' use of Internet for learning in the private and public higher institutions in the State. However, there was significant difference among the students in their use of the Internet for learning with the University students showing the highest degree of positive response of use followed by the students of the College of Education and then the students of the Polytechnics. It is recommended among others that stakeholders in higher education in Osun State should endeavour to provide modern ICT/Internet facilities in all the higher institutions in Osun State so as to enable students have unlimited Internet access.