Physics Students' use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in University of Jos

Abstract

This study investigated the extent of physics students' use of information and communication technology in the University of Jos. The study employed the cross-sectional descriptive survey research design. The population was 227 physics students. A sample of 100 was selected using probability proportionate to size (PPS) technique. The instrument for the study was a Physics Students use of ICT Questionnaire (PSICTQ), developed by the researchers, and rated on the Likert scale. The face and construct validations of PSICTQ were ascertained by experts in the University of Jos. The PSICTQ had a reliability coefficient of 0.84, obtained using Cronbach's Coefficient Alpha method. Four research questions were raised and answered and three hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The mean, standard deviation, Spearman Rank Order Correlation and t-test statistics were used as statistical tools to analyze data obtained. Findings revealed that ICT resources were available in the University, even though e- Library, interactive whiteboard and software were limited. Further findings revealed that physics students used ICT resources. The findings also revealed that limited ICT infrastructure and unstable power supply are some challenges physics students faced with the use of ICT resources. The study established that there was a significant positive relationship between the availability of ICT resources and Students use of the resources, asp < 0.05. It was also found that no significant difference existed between the challenges faced by male and female physics students in the use of ICT resources, since p > 0.05. The study concluded that physics students use ICT resources for learning courses and recommended, among others, that the federal government and stakeholders should provide adequate ICT resources such as e-Library and interactive white boards for students' use.