INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOUR AND UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AMONG STUDENTS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The Internet and wireless telephones are emerging features in the communication and information environment in nearly ever developing country. (DOI, 2000) Digital Opportunity Initiative.

Within the last two decades computer radio and television became prevalent and played significant roles in academic resource environment. Now information communication technology represents the next significant wave of innovation. According to Waju, (2003), it includes Mobile Web, personal Digital Assistants (PDA’s), speech recognition Technologies, global positioning systems (GPS’s) and the Internet.

The Internet is a computer system that allows millions of computer users around the world to exchange information. Among its various application is E-Library E-Library allows Library users to electronically consult books, it also permits building of library database in the Net in electronic form. Thus it is now possible to browse and /or download the whole book, journal etc. on the Net.

The application of Information Communication Technology (ICT) is witnessing phenomenal growth in Nigeria. Its application as Ibenta, (2003) Enumerated include, e-commerce the e-banking, electronic fund transfers electronic mail e-conferencing, e-library etc.

In the last two decades, the deteriorating quality of graduates of Nigerian in tertiary Institutions has taken centre stage on most educational debated. Scholars and stakeholders have made concerted effort in identifying the various causes of the dwindling educational fortunes of tertiary institution among them National University commission, NUC (2002) identified poor infrastructure, Scarcity and high cost of journals, books and other reference materials, as major factors making the sourcing of academic materials by students difficult. This research work is to investigate the level of electronic compliance of students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria, with the polytechnic Ikot Osurua as case study. The approach is to assess, students ICT knowledge and usage status.

1.2   RESEARCH PROBLEM

Information communication technology has added value to students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. ICT has become the leading source of reference materials for research and class work.

However, empirical evidence NUC (2005) suggests that students in Nigerian tertiary institutions are yet to make efficient use of this innovative technology. This research is conceived to investigate the information seeking behaviour and ICT utilization status of students in Nigerian tertiary institutions with a view to establishing empirical evidence of the causes of the poor exploration of the benefits of ICT among students.

1.3   PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study is to examine the attitudes interest and degree of response of students to the utilization of information communication technology for their academic purposes.

• OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The objectives of this study are

1. To assess the Information Communication Technology knowledge and utilization status among students in Nigerian Tertiary Institution
2. To determine the electronic readiness status of respondents.

• To identify the information seeking status of the respondents.

1. To assess the ICT usage status of the respondent
2. To identify ways of improving ICT usage status of the respondents

1.5   RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What is the electronic readiness status of respondents?
2. What are the available ICTs to the respondents?

• Does usage of ICT enhance academic performance?

1. What is the ICT utilization status of respondents?
2. What is the Information seeking behaviours of the respondents?
3. How can the ICT usage status of respondents be improved upon?

1.6   SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This research work will help in determining the electronic readiness status, as well as identify existing ICT knowledge and usage gap among students. Besides, it will also provide the framework for assessing the efficacy of current government effort in promoting computer literacy in the country.

Also, this research finding will guide educational regulatory agencies on the most suitable approach to ensure all the Nigerian students are ICT literate. This work will also serves as a reference material for students and other stakeholders in the educational sector.

1.7   SCOPE OF THE STUDY

        This study basically focus on assessing the information seeking behaviour and utilization of information communication Technology (ICT) among students in Tertiary institutions in Nigeria with the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic Ikot Osurua as a case study.

1.8   LIMITATION OF STUDY

        This researcher encountered difficulties, which affected or limit the accuracy of this work. These problems were mostly encountered in the course of collecting data questionnaires were insufficient for the target population and so limit the scope of this study.

1.9   DEFINITION OF TERMS

        For a vivid understanding of this research, the researcher considers it needful to define the underlisted keywords.

1. Information: Is data that has been processed into a form that has meaning and is useful.
2. Communication: It is a process of sending or transferring information, ideas and skills from one person to another accurately and satisfactory.

• Information Communication Technology: This is a systematized body of tools, technique and infrastructures for generating collecting, storing, processing and transmitting data. It involves the application of microprocessor based digital technology for effective information handing.

1. Information Seeking Behaviour: This defines the stimulus that produces anxiety and attitudes in order to find out information or knowledge that is missing.

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