Do students have the relevant ICT skills they need to do their research projects

Authors:
Oduronke T. Eyitayo
Affiliations:
University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
Venue:
Proceedings of the 2011 conference on Information technology education
Year:
2011

Citing 2
Cited 1

The Multilevel and Multifaceted Character of Computer Self-Efficacy: Toward Clarification of the Construct and An Integrative Framework for Research

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Inconsistencies and disconnects

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Abstract

The final year research project is the capstone of undergraduate studies. Finding out the skills students have at final year helps determine how ready they are for their research projects as well as how prepared they are for the job market. In order to ascertain the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) literacy levels of students, a study was carried out using year four (final year) students across several faculties and departments in the University of Botswana using computer self efficacy instrument and Task characteristics. Prior to administering the questionnaire, a pilot test was conducted and reliabilty and validity tests were done. The data was analysed using SPSS. Chi-square and Cross Tabulation statistics were carried out. The results of the study revealed that students were lacking in skills needed specifically for academic research. Amongst others, the study recommends that the university should provide students with an IT fluency centre for individuals to concentrate on developing their skills. Workshops and demonstrations are recommended in which students can be given individual attention. A broader focus will be to incorporate technology into the curriculum of all courses and to improve the curriculum for the General Education Courses to include the desired skills.