Mobile devices for academic practices by students of college of sciences in selected Nigerian private universities

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to look at the use of mobile devices by science students with emphasis only on privately owned universities in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive research design was used, as the study was a survey research. Eighty copies of structured questionnaire were distributed to collect data from science students in advanced levels of their undergraduate programmes in Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) and Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) Ikeji-Arakeji, in their lecture halls and laboratories with the permission and assistance of their lecturers. The data were collected within a period of five weeks. All the administered questionnaire were correctly filled and returned, yielding a 100 per cent return rate. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics which includes frequency and percentage presented in tables and charts.

Findings

The study found that science students in the selected private universities mostly (83.7 per cent) use smartphones than other mobile devices. Also, the students own mobile devices for the purpose of using educational applications (77.50 per cent) and to chat with people (72.50 per cent). The students use the Internet on their devices very often. The Internet facilities mostly used by the students are e-mails (71.25 per cent), social media (68.75 per cent) and search engines (60.50 per cent). The challenges mostly faced by the students using mobile devices for academic practices are poor Internet connectivity (81.25 per cent) and high cost of data subscription (53.75 per cent).

Practical implications

Given the knowledge gained from this study, it is desired that universities across Nigeria would encourage the integration of the use of mobile devices into core educational programmes. Also, mobile data service providers need to reduce the cost of data subscription, especially on campuses for students. Moreover, owners of private universities should ensure the provision of good Internet connectivity for mobile devices campus-wide. Free and accessible Wi-Fi hot spots should be created for students.

Social implications

Policy makers in the country should encourage mobile data service providers to reduce cost of data subscription on university campuses so as to enable students enjoy to the fullest the numerous features of mobile devices for academic practices.

Originality/value

Research on the use of mobile devices for academic practices by students is somewhat new in Nigeria more so that privately owned universities are in focus. The study has therefore opened the floor for more in-depth studies on the subject now that mobile devices should be seen as tools rather than fanciful gadgets.

Citation

Fasae, J.K. and Adegbilero-Iwari, I. (2015), "Mobile devices for academic practices by students of college of sciences in selected Nigerian private universities", The Electronic Library, Vol. 33 No. 4, pp. 749-759. https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-03-2014-0045