Effects of Information and communication technology on students' learning: A case of Gulu University

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of ICT on students’ learning by taking the case of Gulu University. It sought to establish the relationship between ICT and students’ learning particularly looking at the availability, accessibility and user-ability of the ICT resources in Gulu University. The study was prompted due to the persistent report that students in Gulu University are getting difficulties in their studies due to limited access and use of ICT resources. It was conducted through cross-sectional survey design; data was collected during the month of March 2009 using questionnaires, interview techniques from a sample of 275 respondents out of a parent population of 1173 . In verifying the hypotheses, the researcher used Pearson correlation analysis method to find out whether students’ learning was linearly correlated with ICT.

The study established that the availability of ICT resources in the University is still very much wanting and very inadequate for the students to use. Because of the limited number of functional computers and the computer laboratory, accessibility is timetabled. It was found out that training was mainly limited to introduction to basic concepts of information technology, some application programs notably Ms office suit and internet; contextual training of students on how to use ICT in learning was not in practice.

The researcher concluded that availability, accessibility and user-ability of ICT resources significantly affect students learning in Gulu University. Based on the above, the researcher recommends that there is need for the University to invest more in computers and related technology. Access to ICT tools should not be limited only in labs and library but expanded through establishment of ICT resource centre. ICT training should not be limited to Ms Office suites but rather aim at training students with the contextual skills to use ICT for their learning.