Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by University Freshmen: With Special Reference to the University of Moratuwa

Abstract

New coming students for universities are fundamentally different than in the past, because they have been spending their entire lives surrounded by and using ICTs. These students belong to the net generation and always looking for ICTs in each and every activity of their life. However, it is questioned whether all students are in the same level since they should be very fluent with ICTs to move in this 21 st century confidently. This study is an attempt made to investigate the level of using ICTs by new coming undergraduates to the University of Moratuwa by examining the frequency of using ICT tools, self rated skill levels and finally their perceptions of the impact of ICT on academic experiences in the university. Twenty two (22) different ICT related activities under 4 main skill domains; basic computer usage, computer applications, Internet/E-mail use and use of technologies for research/academic activities were used for the study. The study is compiled with data from questionnaires of 338 first year students in three faculties; Architecture, Engineering and Information Technology. The study reveals that there is a rapid trend towards a higher ICT usage of university freshmen as digital natives. Majority of the first year students more frequently use computer applications such as word processing, Spreadsheets and Presentation packages. and they have rated themselves as highly skilled in computer applications. The male students reported to be in front in terms of usage of ICTs and level of computer literacy skills than female students. Freshmen from urban communities always believe that they are more skilful in this aspect. Architecture students are somewhat below than others in using ICTs as well as the level of ICT skills. Majority of freshmen believe that using ICTs may help them to improve their learning in the university and they are willing to use ICTs to find information on academic purposes. Recommendations have been made to enhance ICT facilities and programs for freshmen at university.

Previous Experiences of University New Entrants’ School Library Usage: with Reference to Veterinary Medical Students, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

“…Data collection was done via a questionnaire distributed among 338 freshmen. Findings demonstrated that the first year students as digital natives were rapidly inclined towards high ICT usage (Kumara, 2014). It was revealed that majority of respondents perceived themselves as highly skilled in using computer applications.…”

“…Regarding ICT usage and computer literacy skills male students surpassed female students. In addition, most of the new students believed that ICTs were helpful to enhance their learning.The results of the study would aid in developing existing programs and implementing new programs effectively for new students (Kumara, 2014).In an attempt to explore characteristics and information seeking behavior of students, Mashroofa (2012) also used new comers from three Sri Lankan universities as research subjects. Data were collected via a survey and analyzed using qualitative as well as quantitative methods.…”