Use of ICT and management of students’ academic affairs at the College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University

Abstract

The study aimed at establishing the relationship between use of ICT and management of students’ academic affairs at Makerere University using the case of the College of Education and External Studies. The objectives of the study were three fold, namely; to find out the relationship between internet facilities, word processing and information storage devices on the management of students academic affairs at the College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University. The study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A cross sectional survey design was used to collect data from a sample of 32 administrative staff and 47 academic staff who were purposively selected. The study hypotheses were tested using Pearson’s Correlation Co-efficient index. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis method. The study findings revealed that there is a positive significant relationship between internet facilities, word processing and information storage devices on the management of student academic affairs. The following conclusions were drawn, namely; that the internet facilities, word processing and information storage devices if available can boost the management of students’ academic affairs in the college of Education and External Studies. The researcher recommended that if management of students’ academic affairs is to be improved at the college, the university council should collaborate with financing bodies like government, development partners, students, to provide free internet and other internet facilities freely to administrative staff and academic staff. University management and college administrators should increase on computers and photocopiers in offices, libraries and ensure that there is a reliable power supply and finally should ensure that information storage devices like compact disks, USB flash disks, video tapes, tape recorders and USB card readers are provided to administrative staff and academic staff to manage information safety that relate to students’ academic affairs.