University Students` Perception and Utilization of Technology for Learning: The Case of Haramaya University

Abstract

As technology has become more prevalent and accessible to students in their personal lives, learning experiences and interaction, it encouraged students to engage and generate innovative and creative ideas and sharing learning experiences. Technology utilization can be described as the application of information and communication technology to teaching and learning. This paper examines university students` perceptions and utilization of technology for learning at Haramaya University in Ethiopia (as a case). The researcher used survey research design and questionnaire (students=298) as principal data collection instrument. The participant sampled using purposive, heterogeneity and systematic random sampling techniques. The collected data were analysed by descriptive (mean, percentage and frequency) and inferential statistics (t-test). Students` perception in relation to gender and their locality (rural and urban), and utilization of technology addressed by this study. The finding of the study revealed that there is no statistically significant mean difference between male and female students’ perceptions towards technology utilization for learning (t (296) = t -.102, p>0.05, p=0.919). This was the same for students who came from rural and urban areas (t (296) = t= -.126, p>0.05, p=0.900) and students have positive perception towards technology assisted learning. The data also revealed that students have been using mobile technology, social media and internet to access online learning materials, doing assignments, projects and sharing personal and educational information. Despite this fact students limited access to e-learning, internet connection problem, high cost of internet service and technological materials reported as the main challenges in utilization of technology for learning purposes. From the aforementioned findings the researcher suggested that all parties top from ministry of education, ICT, science and technology to down higher learning institution collaboratively need to devote, invest and play their role to reduce those challenges and integrating the learning environment and the instruction with new technologies.