A study on the use of internet by academic staff of the Uva Wellassa University

Abstract

The progressive increase in the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in education has drastically changed the teaching/learning process. A great deal of research has proven its benefits in educational quality. Among the ICTs, the internet has been a single major force of change in higher education. Since 1991, and especially with the use of the www browser in 1993, the internet has gradually become the main vehicle of scholarly communication. However, the intensity of internet use varies from individual to individual, institution to institution, and from country to country. In this context it is true that Internet has become the most prominent source of Information, which is used by most of the academics in the university system. The prime objective of this study is to investigate the patterns of internet use by the university academic staff, including purposes for use, its impact on teaching and research, internet resources that they use, and the problems faced while using the internet. This paper will be based on the academic staff of three faculties of Uva Wellsassa University i.e. Entrepreneurship and Management, Science and Technology, Animal Science and Export Agriculture. This study uses both qualitative and quantitative methods, including a questionnaire and discussions with members of the academic staff. Out of 85 academics, 50 participants were randomly selected as the sample. A large majority have been using the computer and internet for more than five years. They use the internet mostly for e-mail, search engines, and WWW resources mainly for communication, teaching and research purposes. It has helped them to save time, find up-to-date information, and cooperate with their colleagues. Slow speed, lack of time, and lack of access from home are the major problems. To overcome these difficulties, improving IT infrastructure including providing distance access and formal training in the use of internet resources are required.