| dc.description.abstract | This project set out to examine how ICTs, particularly the
Internet have diffused and been adopted in research and
teaching activities of Academic Staff and Postgraduate
Students of public universities in Kenya. The justification
for this study is that ICTs have fundamentally changed the
way information is gathered, and used as well as how it is
created. Since the creation, transmission and preservation
of knowledge are core functions of universities, it is
important to explore how ICTs are enhancing these functions
through research and teaching. Clearly, adoption of
electronic information resources adds value to all academic
activities. Furthermore the presence of ICTs can no longer
be ignored by either individuals or institutions of higher
learning as they would find themselves isolated and unable
to cope with the demands of the information society which
the world has because in the 21st century.
The study was undertaken at the University of Nairobi,
which the author considers to a large extent to represent
public universities in Kenya. The findings and
recommendations may therefore safely be generalized to
apply to all public universities in Kenya.
This study was undertaken using the survey method. 180
questionnaires were distributed. Out of these 132 were
returned, achieving an 80.3 percent response rate. The
sample consisted of 34 Academic staff and 98 Postgraduate
Students from all colleges and faculties of the University
of Nairobi.
The primary objectives of the study were to explore the
diffusion, accessibility and utilization of the Internet
for teaching and research. The project assessed the
competence (skill) levels of respondents in accessing and
using electronic information sources. It sought information
on how the Internet is used. It also sought to find out how
well e-mail and the electronic journals are used. A
subsidiary objective was to find out if respondents· were
involved in the development of any Internet resources.
Based on the findings, the study aimed at making
appropriate recommendations for entrenching the Internet in
all academic activities of Academic Staff and Postgraduate
Students of public universities in Kenya.
The findings indicate that Academic Staff and Postgraduate
Students are familiar with the Internet. They are aware of
its potential benefits and they 'use it whenever possible.
They are skillful in basic computer use as well as in basic
Internet searching using general search engines. They
however require training in order to exploit the more
structured, subject oriented search engines and information
gateways. The facilities need substantial improvement if
they are to meet increased user demand.
The Online (electronic) journal service is not well known
and therefore not much used. However, those who have
discovered it rely and use it quite heavily. This calls for
better publicity and user training. E-mail is well used for
personal and official communication but has not been
exploited for exchange of research information. It also
needs to be promoted as a medium of communication between
lecturers and students. Little evidence of the development
of Internet resources was found. There is a clear case for
launching training programs on website development and
hosting, as well as electronic publishing.
The findings on facilities indicate that there is need for
more reliable, connected computers. The number of working
computers should also be increased and be located in more
convenient places. The University Library system should be
supplied with more connected computers, for users to access
not only the library catalog but also the Internet.
The major recommendations embrace the need for formal
Internet training, provision of facilities and better coordinated
university efforts. Free access to the Internet
should be made possible at least to all Academic Staff and
Postgraduate Students,
if not to all members of the university | en |
