CHAPTER
ONE
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
In the age of Information and
Communication Technology (ICT), the use of the internet has become the norms
and culture in developing countries and Nigeria is not exempted from this
trend. The craving from the internet stems from its central role in ICT with
access to free online Journals, Magazines and other information resources
anytime and anywhere for academic research.
Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of education
and other tertiary institution undergraduates, postgraduate and lecturers find
internet very useful for assignment, research or project writing at their final
year because internet is an encyclopedia of information, date, facts, history
and figures.
Information and Communication Technology has taken root in
so many professions of which academic not excluded. Globally, Information and
communication has become an avenue to improve and boost human activities
positively, nevertheless, many people use it to perpetrate cyber crimes which
are on the increasing side today.
In a nutshell, improvement technology has really promoted
the usage of information technology in education sector in the universe of
which Nigeria
is not an exception. The convergence of technologies, e.g, computers, and
internet services with database, data bank and files which can be used for
academic purpose by stakeholders in education is increasing. Aman (2003).
United Nation, which institutionalized education millennium
goals, has issued in many communiqués that for each member state to meet up
with current educational friend, information and communication technology must
be effectively used by both students and lecturers in member states.
The internet is a global network of computer connecting,
communicating and sharing of information available in its databases and it is
the monumental force which is bridging the fast population of the earth in
habitants in to a small global village resulting in the shirking of the earth
into a smaller spare”.
Awake Magazine says Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) extends to a range of technological applications such as
computer software and hardware, the digital like mobile phones and the
internet; and other electronic information resources like the World Wide Web
and CD ROMs e.t.c.
1.2
Statement of the Problem
The research examined “The
Internet as Research Tool for Students of Higher Learning” with a case study of Osun State
Polytechnic, Iree. Improvement in technology has really prompted the usage
of information and communication technology in education sector in the universe
of which Nigeria
is not an exception.
However, some of the identified
problem is epileptic power supply, poor internet facilities, illiteracy and
others. The convergence of technologies, e.g computer, and internet services
with data base, data bank and files which can be used for academics purpose by
stakeholders in education.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1. To study some of the challenges facing students in the usage
of internet?
2. To know whether the cost of browsing internet affect students’
online patronage?
3. To know how internet is effective among students of Osun State
Polytechnic, Iree?
4. To find out if internet influences or increases the research
ability of students?
5. To examine the level of
internet usage among students at this time?
1.4 Research Questions
v
What
are the challenges facing students in the usage of internet?
v
To
what extent can the cost of browsing internet affect students’ online
patronage?
v
To
what extent is internet effective among students of Osun State Polytechnic,
Iree?
v
Does
internet influences or increase the research ability of students?
v
What
is the level of internet usage among students at this time?
1.5 Significance of the Study
The significance of
the research project work is to investigate into areas which research has not
been covered by research i.e the aspect of effectiveness of information and
communication technology in Nigeria
higher institutions
Through the usage of information and communication
technology, has Nigeria
education sector meet the millennium education goals or not?
Also, the research will show may be Nigerian students have
embraced information and communication technology as “academic savior”
It will enable students to know the best way to citizen
internet for the academic purpose.
1.6
Scope of the Study
The scope of the study has been limited to Osun State
Polytechnic, Iree since it is difficult to examine all higher institution of
learning in Nigeria due to cost, geographical location, time and other
necessary logistics. Although, the result of the findings will benefit other
higher institution of learning in Nigeria.
1.7
Limitation of the Study
1)
More
institution could have been issued but constraints have posed limitation.
2)
Time
for the research work is relatively short
3)
Stress
from other academic assignments is also a limitation to the research work.
4)
Uneasy
access to informative materials at Osun State Polytechnic library.
1.8
Definition of Terms.
I.C.T:
Information
and Communication Technology.
INTERNET:
A global
computer network providing a variety of information and communication
facilities, consisting of inter connected networks using standardized
communication protocols.
STUDENTS: Nigeria students
INSTITUTION:
Nigeria Academic Institution.
