A survey focus on use of internet based e-resources among undergraduates : special reference to sabaragamuwa university

Abstract

Information and communication technologies have introduced new methods of teaching, research methodologies and education facilities for online learning and entertainment.Jega (2007a) introduced university as an institution that generates knowledge and transfer it to society and it contribute ideas, skills, technology and expertise in many field. In that aspect, internet is playing a vital role in speedy exchange of information in universities. The main objective of the study is to investigate the determinants, utilization level of internet and e-resources among undergraduates. The survey is carried out mainly utilizing primary data through questionnaires, choosing a sample of 250 by using stratified random sampling method. Descriptive statistics, chi square, correlation and multiple regression methods were mainly used for the analysis of the study. According to the results, general purpose of using internet was higher for playing games and chat with other persons while creating web page and blog were taken as the lowest rate. Considering the internet usage for academic purpose, doing assignment was recorded as the highest percentage (33%) and upload files (4%) was the lowest. Science and technology-based disciplines are engaged with more Internet based activities than other disciplines. Further study concluded that faculty, academic year, gender, familiarity, academic working hours and ethnicity are directions that affect to time duration on internet. Low speed and accessing on to journals are the main deficiencies faced by respondents in which the policy interventioncould move.