Factors contributing to internet usage among Makerere University Students: a case Study of School of Statistics and Planning

Abstract

The emergence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) particularly the Internet has brought about a remarkable shift from the use of print to electronic resources of recent, with this trend, information whether scholarly or otherwise is produced electronically or digitally. This study’s aim was to assess the factors contributing to internet usage among school of statistics students, Makerere University. The study used primary data which was collected using Kobo collect and analyzed using STATA VERSION 15 and presented in form of tables and graphs. The study found out that all students were using internet daily using smart phones and laptops. The study also found out that most of the students were mainly using internet for academic research, online discussion, and communication with friends through social media. Also, the study revealed that majority of the students had more than 5 years’ experience of internet use. The study recommended that user training should be frequently organized for better usage as well as stimulating the interest of users. More computers with Internet connectivity should be provided to increase the level of accessibility to ICTs among students who do not own personal computers since most students use them for research work. Maintenance of computers should also be done more regularly to ensure that the available computers are always in good condition. Students should also be equipped with both internet basics and information literacy skills. Furthermore, Internet cables should be instituted in the lecture rooms to encourage Internet use among students. Also, standby generators and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) should be made available for the computer labs in situation of power breakdown.