Use of Internet and academic performance among graduate students in the East African School of Library and Information Science of Makerere University

Abstract

The study assessed the use of internet and academic performance among graduate students in the East African School of Library and Information Science of Makerere University. Four main objectives were used for this study: to establish the availability of internet to students at East African School of Library and Information Science of Makerere University; to examine access to internet by students at East African School of Library and Information Science of Makerere University; to examine students competence in using internet at East African School of Library and Information Science of Makerere University and to examine the use of internet at East African School of Library and Information Science of Makerere University . The study used a cross-section research design and a total number of 175 respondents were given questionnaires. It was found that Makerere University has availed the internet to post graduate students as part of input. The students have also accessed the internet as they study and this has enhanced their academic performance. Despite the effort to access the available internet, it was established that some students living in hostels around the university do not easily access the internet; while others use the internet for other uses than academic performance. Nonetheless, study concludes by emphasizing that internet has been availed to students as one of the inputs to the Makerere University as a system. In order to serve all the students, the study recommends strong network between the University and the hostels around. Whereas this is perceived to benefit the students in the hostels, it will win the public to the services of the university and increase its fame through students’ performance.