Influence of smart phone social media platforms on sharing of academic information among university students: a case study of School of Statistics and Planning, Makerere University

Abstract

The study aimed at showing the influence of smartphones on sharing of academic information in Makerere University, at School of Statistics and Planning. Specific objectives were measured; examining the influence of demographic factors on sharing of academic information using smartphones, examining the influence of student factors on sharing of academic information using smartphone and examining the influence of university environment on sharing of academic information using smartphone. The study findings showed that sex, place of residence, highest parents’ level of education and free Wi-Fi were found to be statistically insignificant with sharing of academic information using smartphones. However, transfer platforms and lecturers’ encouragement were found to be determinants of sharing academic information at School of Statistics and Planning from the logistic model. The researcher recommended as follows; Lecturers should always encourage sharing of academic information using smartphones in order to make access to such information easier. Students should also be encouraged to use different online transfer platforms like Email, WhatsApp to share academic information like lecture notes, semester timetables, in order to improve their grades.