Assessing Internet Usage among Students of Federal Polytechnic Bida, Nigeria

Abstract

Despite the numerous advantages of the internet over the years, its usage among students since the recent past had attracted public outcry regarding its propensity for use towards social engagement and the fulfilment of social needs; rather than for attainment of academic excellence in schools. This paper examined internet usage among students of Federal Polytechnic Bida, Nigeria, to determine the veracity or otherwise of the said public outcry. Anchored on Rational Choice Theory with additional support from Dependency Theory; the study used the Survey Research Method of inquiry, and administered questionnaire through Simple Random Sampling, to examine internet usage among students of federal polytechnic Bida. The findings showed that internet usage among majority of the students was mainly for fulfilment of social needs rather than for attainment of academic excellence. Recommendations made included the need to promote the use of internet for academic excellence such as projects supervision, giving of lecture notes and tutorials; to encourage internet-based assignments and tests; and to structure programs that will help achieve positive behavioural change of students already addicted to using the internet mainly for social engagement and fulfilment of social needs.