Use of Internet for academic purposes by university teachers: A study as per University of Kelaniya

Abstract

The Internet plays a vital role in the teaching, research and learning process in the present day academic environment. Various Internet services such as e-mail, World Wide Web, online journals and databases have added value to academic activities. The main objective of this study is to investigate the extent and level of Internet use by academic staff members of the University of Kelaniya for their teaching, research and learning purposes. Specific objectives of the study are as follows: - To identify the various purposes for which Internet is used by university academics - To identify the various Internet services used for teaching, learning and research activities by university academics - To assess the impact of Internet on teaching, learning and research activities of university academics The study population covers academic staff members of 31 academic departments of four faculties of the university, except the Faculty of Medicine. Three (03) academic staff members were selected from each academic department to the sample using stratified sampling technique. Accordingly, the total sample size is 93 university teachers. A questionnaire survey is the method used in this study for data collection from academic staff members. Identification of the impact of Internet on academic activities, exploring the differences among various levels of academicians in using the Internet, identification of the level of satisfaction among university academics about the Internet facilities provide by the University are among the major outputs of the study. The study also reveals how tech-savvy university academics are. Also, the study will enable us to identify Internet use patterns and behaviors of university academics. Finally, this study will be useful for decision-makers as it reveals the need for the development of Internet related infrastructural facilities in local universities to enhance equitable and sustainable access to the Internet, which supports academic activities.