AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE EFFECT OF MOBILE DEVICE ON INFORMATION SHARING AMONG STUDENTS IN NIGERIAN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Since their introduction in the late 1990s in Nigeria and other developing nations, mobile phones have become an indispensable part of everyday life and an useful source of information. The usage of mobile phones among young, especially students, has been revealed to be quite significant in many research (Ling Mayan, 2005). The introduction of mobile phones with internet access in Nigeria has resulted in a vast and diversified collection of information. However, inadvertently, it has hampered students' devotion to serious academic work, badly affecting their cognitive processes, communication, and language abilities. Students' attitudes and behavior toward academic tasks are frequently influenced by their possession of a mobile phone, which has social, economic, psychological, and educational effects. Inattentiveness, disturbance, and distraction are just a few of the challenges that owning a phone poses to efficient learning. Mobile phone usage is closely related to this, since it produces noise and distraction during teaching hours. Students' performance and devotion to academics in lecture halls have been linked in studies, with those who use their phones during class time being more likely to be distracted, inattentive, and non-participate in academic class work (Ling Mayan, 2005). The issue is that students' usage of cell phones has become habitual, which has a detrimental influence on the deliberate efforts necessary for successful teaching and learning.

Learning has been tremendously affected by information technology. Academic information, both within and outside of the curriculum, and course modules formerly relied on the lecturers in charge and the purchase of hard copy resources. If one required a book that neither the lecturers nor the book dealers had, one had to purchase it from overseas and pay exorbitant shipping rates, or one had to forget about it and rely on reviews in academic publications on the book or the subject (Omeruo Emeka, 2009). However, the introduction of information technology (IT) has had a significant impact on the information systems of every educational institution in the nation, as well as the rest of the globe. After all of the information technologies and associated gadgets, primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions have been obliged to update their information systems. The universities have been the most hit, and secondary institutions are following suit at a similar rate. Most universities in the nation, both public and private, have placed WiFi stations across the campus to provide students with free internet access. Most colleges have made having a laptop computer and/or its equivalent obligatory for entering schools (Omeruo Emeka, 2009). In reality, larger information devices aren't as quick at disseminating information as mobile phones, which are now very simple to get and inexpensive in comparison to the amount of data they can store and the different ways in which this data may be transmitted. And it's not just academic knowledge; it's all kinds of information, both beneficial to learning and detrimental to a positive learning attitude and environment.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The current study project acknowledges the current trend of information exchange on university campuses throughout the nation. In comparison to the 1990s, before the advent of mobile phones and smartphones, there has been a significant shift in this area (Ling Mayan, 2005). And, as with any growth of this sweeping velocity, the instability of it always has significant and unpredictable effects on the consumers. Against the above background, the present research work has set before itself the task of the effect of mobile device and information sharing on students academic performance among students in Nigerian higher institutions.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The general objective of the study is the effect of mobile device and  information sharing on students academic performance among students in Nigerian higher institutions. Specifically the study will be guided under the following:

i.          To examine the effect of mobile device on the academic performance of students in Nigerian higher institution.

ii.        To find out the benefit of information sharing on mobile device on the academic performance of students in Nigerian higher institution.

iii.      To evaluate the use of mobile phones in lecture class and if its causes noise and distraction during lecture hours.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have prepared for the study:

i.          What are the effect of mobile device on the academic performance of students in Nigerian higher institution?

ii.        What are the benefit of information sharing on mobile device on the academic performance of students in Nigerian higher institution?

iii.      Does the use of mobile phones in lecture class causes noise and distraction during lecture hours?

1.5 Significance of the Study

The research will be of importance to university authorities of all the higher institutions campuses  both public and private. It will shed light on these influences and infer how authorities can use this medium in combating exam malpractice and insecurity in the different campuses.

The positive influences would be promoted by government, university authorities, parents and religious leaders and it will almost influence the above in that they see the social importance of cell phones and learn its uses in order to better protect the students from its harmful influences.

This study will be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study will examine the effect of mobile device on the academic performance of students in Nigerian higher institution. The study will also find out the benefit of information sharing on mobile device on the academic performance of students in Nigerian higher institution. Lastly, the study will evaluate the use of mobile phones in lecture class and if its causes noise and distraction during lecture hours. Hence the study will be delimited to higher institutions in Ogun state.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Mobile device: A portable usually cordless telephone for use in a cellular system.

Information sharing: The term information sharing has a long history in information technology.

University students: A college student who is teaching under the supervision of a certified teacher in order to qualify for a degree in education.

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