Factors influencing use of internet resources for learning among Masters students: a case of Masters in Project Planning and Management, University of Nairobi

Abstract

The internet has become an integral part of research at the Masters level. Studies show that the internet is a powerful tool for searching for information globally. Research shows that African universities are faced with the problem of expensive ICT which is poorly managed. For Masters Students internet is crucial for research and publication. The need to investigate the factors influencing the use of internet resources for learning has resulted from the studies which have been done.

Therefore this study sought to investigate the factors influencing the use of internet resources for learning among Masters Students especially in the School of Continuing and Distance Education (SCDE) of the University of Nairobi as internet resources present a vital component of research.

The study was guided by three objectives namely to determine the accessibility to the use of internet resources for learning among masters students, to establish technological skills in the use of internet resources for learning among masters students and to assess the familiarity with resources in the use of internet for learning among masters students in the University of Nairobi. Descriptive survey method of research was used for this study.

The researcher used this kind of research to obtain first hand data from the respondents so as to formulate rational and sound conclusions and recommendations for the study. The research applied purposive sampling in determining the sample size. This sampling resulted to a sample of 89 out of a target population of 89 students pursuing Masters in Project Planning and Management at the Kisii extramural center of the University of Nairobi. Questionnaires were used to collect data from the respondents. Frequency distribution, measure of central tendency and measure of variability were used in this study.

Results showed that the internet is not readily available through university computers although the few available computers had excellent accessible networks to the internet at a reduced price and power was always available. Laptops were prevalent among masters students but most students were not skilled in the use of electronic library tools .This indicates high ignorance in the use of library tools. Most of the respondents agreed that they were skilled in the use of network telephony, e-mail, news groups and Google scholar.

However not many students were conversant with the use of web boards and chat rooms. The study recommends that the government, universities and educational stakeholders combine efforts to equip institutions with computers; secondly, universities to facilitate training in the use of electronic library resources'; 'and thirdly encourage students to familiarize themselves with other internet resources.