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A SURVEY OF THE USE OF SMARTPHONE BY UNDERGRADUATES

A SURVEY OF THE USE OF SMARTPHONE BY UNDERGRADUATES IN FACULTY OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES   IN AMBROSE ALLI UNIVERSITY, EKPOMA

ABSTRACT

Smartphone devices are potential avenues for reviewing instructional materials, an invaluable resource for immediate feedback and other education purposes. This study investigated a survey of the use of Smartphone by Undergraduates in Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences in College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was used. From a population of 4304 medical students, a sample of 230 students was drawn using accidental sampling technique. Questionnaire was used as data collection instrument and data collected was analyzed using frequency count, percentage and mean statistics. The study revealed high level of awareness and use of smartphones by medical students for their academic works. Result also shows smartphones has made tremendous impact on their medical education most especially with High Speed Browsing, Saves time and money going to cybercafé/college library, Easy and fast internet access. High risk of radiation when using smartphone, Operational  difficulties, high rate of internet subscription, were identified as the major problems they encountered in using smartphones. The study recommended the need for medical university management to collaborate with IT companies to develop smartphones capable of supporting their seeking of medical and health information which improve students’ academic performance. Furthermore, medical college management should collaborate with network service providers to reduce cost of internet subscription to students that will encourage continues use of smartphone to support their seeking of medical and health information.

 

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

 

1.1  Background of the Study

Globalization has changed our lives and one of the ways in which it is changing our lives, every day, is how we communicate; thanks to advancements in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). It is an undeniable fact that technology has become an integral part in today’s society.  In today’s world, digital technology changed so rapidly and integrates into our society at such an accelerated rate, it is hard to keep up with it, let alone reflect on the effects it has on our lives. In line with this, Vieitez, Carcia, and Rodriquez, (2001) expresses that, technological revolution in academic organization has not only improved efficiency but also help reduce the problem of boredom. In addition to this, Roberts, and Pirog, (2013) point out that, the advancement of technology has also been a dominant force in effecting students’ academic life and helps facilitate the knowledge-constructed classroom. To this end, Gaskell and Mills (2010) stresses that, it was proven that mobile phone technologies played an important role in education; also mobile phone technologies offered a major chance in enhancing access to learning and enabling many institutions, especially in higher education to develop learner support as well as learning opportunities in ways which would build on modern techniques. Similarly, Raento, Oulasvirta, and Eagle (2009) added that recent developments in mobile technologies have produced a new kind of device: a programmable mobile phone, the smartphone.

Smartphone are arguable another revolutionary invention of our time, besides computer and internet technologies. Smartphone is one of the most ubiquitous, dynamic and sophisticated trends in communication. Smartphone technology is growing by leaps and bounds. The use of mobile computing devices such as smartphones is rapidly increasing in the population. According to Gartner, Inc., a technology research and advisory firm, by 2013 mobile phones will overtake personal computers (PCs) as the most common Web access device worldwide, and by 2015 over 80% of the cellular phones sold in markets will be smartphones (Gartner Newsroom. 2010). Smartphone evolution from the mobile phone influences how users tend to think of these devices, as reflected in the handset design. Beale, (2005) asserts that Smartphones are predominately communication devices, with additional computing power built in. Smartphones are the new generation of mobile phones; they have emerged over the last few years and already have conquered the market.

Interestingly, Smartphone represents the current pinnacle of mobile phone development, coupling phone capabilities with the additional functionalities of a computer. In this convergence between phone and handheld computer, the phone has the dominant genes. A Smartphone is an increasingly more common type of mobile phone, which can be described as a mobile phone with characteristics similar to the ones of a computer. Student can check e-mail, browse the Internet and add personal functionality by downloading applications using smartphone. Smart products are leading this era and functioning as the new buzzword. Unlike a normal mobile device a smartphone has a vast amount of both local storage and memory. Smartphones have operating units like computers. Smartphones act as mobile entertainment units where a user can: watch videos, listen to music, update blogs, (as well as audio and video blogging.). To this end, Alfawareh and Jusoh, (2014) buttress that Smartphone is a mobile phone running a complete operating system in a manner similar to a traditional computer, which offer advanced computing abilities and connectivity options. They provides high quality performance and quick access to data and information management, mobile audio and audio-visual calls, mobile teleconferencing, sending and receiving emails and quick and easy internet access.

Furthermore, Today’s mobile devices are multifunctional devices capable of hosting a broad range of medical apps (applications) for students in the medical and health sciences. In line with this, Mohapatra et al, (2015) assert that mobile  technology  is  one  of  the  latest  strings  of  technological  innovations  that  can  be integrated into medical education. They also agreed that Smartphone use is increasingly integrated in the daily practice of medicine. Similarly,  Yousuf, (2015) added that Smartphone applications are used in the form of efficient medical communication, research, diagnostic  and  reference  tools,  and  even  in  patient  monitoring  and  examination.  Smartphone technologies can be used in having current information about changes made in course scheduling, deadlines and upcoming events and it can also increase interactivity and collaboration through the use of discussion forums and chat rooms.

However, the use of smartphone entails the process of utilizing smartphone technology and its applications for the purpose of answering a need or providing solution to a problem. There are numerous possibilities of using smartphone technology within and out of the lecture room. According to Koh et al. (2014), they opined that medical  apps  were  perceived  by  medical  students  to  help  improve  their  clinical decision  making,  saved  time,  allowed  faster  access  to  national  clinical  practice  guidelines, allowed faster access to common laboratory reference values, helped in making differential diagnoses,  enabled  useful  medical  related  calculations,  allowed  faster  access  to  reliable sources  of  medical  knowledge,  allowed  faster  access  to  reliable  sources  of  clinical  skills, allowed accurate medicine dosages calculation, allowed easier medicine dosages calculation and allowed faster access to evidence-based medical practice. In the same view, Bruce, (2010), opines that. Students can also access course materials so that they can learn at a convenient time and place. They also can access links to relevant websites, videos, further reading and online tutorials (supplementary activities) that extend or support learning. Emails or text messages can also be used to give instantaneous feedback of students‟ assessment. Smartphone is a major information technology device and students feel the urge to adapt to it in order to ‘‘keep up with the time’’. It can be noted that medical students use smartphone as it relate to their academic performance.

Demaray and Elliott (2010) opine that academic performance is a multidimensional construct composed of the skills, attitudes, and behaviors of a learner which contribute to academic success. Academic performance is the demonstration of a student’s level of competence and mastery of a subject. For a medical student to perform well and be competent in the field of study, it is important that the student make use of relevant and pertinent information that will enhance his/her performance; with smartphones, students have access to any kind of information as it relate to the academic performance at any point, place and time. To this end, Taylor and Harper (2001), portray that smartphones and its use have special place and impact in students’ life and their academic performances specially. The Smartphone is doubtless a tool that has the power to make its user master of his or her own sector of the digital world.

Additionally, with the aid of these smartphones, medical students learn faster outside the classroom by having quick  access  to  the  internet  and  easy  retrieval  of  required  medical  and  health  learning resources while they also keep abreast of recent trend and development as it affects their medical academic performance,  learning  and  research  needs.  Smartphones are redefining the way almost everything is done in the medical academic environment and are a ready tool for faster access to  all  medical  knowledge  geared  towards  achieving  the  medical  learning  and research objectives of the students. Smartphone has now become a part of the daily life of medical students for without it they would be lost in this high tech (technology) world.

1.2     Statement of the Problem

Smartphone play  a  very  significant  role  to medical  students in  seeking and gathering information  in order to meet  their  learning and  research  needs. Several relevant medical and health information are available in diverse media which medical students can have access to through their smartphones. It is quite regrettable that despite the numerous advantages of smartphone, most medical students do not know how to use, search or to get the right information in the course of their academic work. Most often, even to synthesize and analyze the information becomes a nightmare to some medical students. These are  some of the major  challenges  the medical students  encountered  in accessing desired information using such mobile devices. The inability of medical students to overcome these problems automatically makes it impossible to explore the potentials of the smartphone. Despite their relative importance in medical education, little is known about use of smartphone on academic performance of medical students. Hence, it is against this backdrop, the researcher wish to investigate, a survey of the use of smartphone by undergraduates in Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

1.3     Objectives of the Study

The major objective is a survey of the use of smartphone by undergraduates in Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. The specific objective includes the following; to

  1. Find out  the  level  of  awareness  and  use  of  smartphones by medical students  for their academic wor
  2. Find out the relevance/purpose of smartphones by medical stude
  3. Find out some of the medical resources and services smartphones are used for by medical students for their academic wor
  4. Find out the impact of smartphones on academic performance of medical stude
  5. Find out the major problem encountered by medical students in using smartphones in gathering information for their academic wor

1.4       Research Question

The following research questions were formulated for this study:

  1. What is the level of awareness and use of smartphones by medical students?
  2. What is the relevant/purpose of using smartphone by medical students?
  3. What are the medical resources and services that smartphones are used for by medical students for their academic works?
  4. What are the medical apps commonly downloaded by medical students for their academic works?
  5. Is there any impact of use of smartphone on academic performance of medical students?
  6. What are the major problems encountered by medical students when using smartphone?

1.5       Scope of the study

This study investigated a survey of the use of smartphone by undergraduates in Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpo|ma.

1.6       Significance of the study

It is hoped that the findings of this study will benefit various educational stakeholders. It would be useful to medical students in determining the many opportunities that smart phone provides in their academic lives.

Medical lecturers would be guided on how integrating smartphone technology will create a richer environment for teaching and learning.

The smartphone companies would be more informed and therefore invest in providing smartphones at a reduced price.

Curriculum planners and policy makers would be aware of the numerous possibilities of using smartphone technologies in learning, so as to assist in implementing and designing activities to support the various learning styles.

The findings from this study would also complement other studies and provide appropriate information for content developers and mobile learning developers in designing smartphone applications for medical learning at the university level.

This research would contribute to the body of educational research in that it explores students’ academic performance with multiple indicators of learning, which is satisfaction and academic performance. The research may provide literature so as to add more information on innovative use of smartphones to enhance educational experiences of medical university students.

1.7       Limitation of study  

This study involved the following limitations. First, even though, there are other mobile devices that can be used to study academic performance of medical student, this research was only limited to the use of smartphone. Second, this study should have covered the entire medical student in Ambrose Alli University in order to draw a general conclusion on the subject, but it is restricted to students in the faculty of basic medical sciences in Ambrose Alli University due to time and financial constraints. Thirdly, the literature and tools that was used for this research was not easy to come by.

 1.8      Operational definition of terms

The following are the conceptual definitions of key terms used in this study:

Academic performance: the level of students’ academic success in their various subjects.

Mobile application: It is a piece of software that runs on the Internet on a smartphone which can be downloaded from websites. 

Smartphone: A device which has features of both a computer and a mobile phone (cell phone).

Medical student:  A student who enrolled at a medical school, or a person following a course of study leading to qualification as a doctor, medicine, physician, nurse.

Usage: To do something with a device in order to achieve a purpose

University: This is an institution of higher (or tertiary) education and research which grants academic degree in various subject and typically provides undergraduate education and postgraduate education.

A SURVEY OF THE USE OF SMARTPHONE FOR ACADEMIC WORKS

ABSTRACT

Smartphone devices are potential avenues for reviewing instructional materials, an invaluable resource for immediate feedback and other education purposes. This study investigated a survey of the use of Smartphone by students of Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna, Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was used. From a population of 25,000  students, a sample of 394 students was drawn using Taro Yamene Formula. Questionnaire was used as data collection instrument and data collected was analyzed using frequency count, percentage and mean statistics. The study revealed high level of awareness and use of smartphones by students for their academic works. Result also shows smartphones has made tremendous impact on their education most especially with High Speed Browsing, Saves time and money going to cybercafé/college library, Easy and fast internet access. High risk of radiation when using smartphone, Operational  difficulties, high rate of internet subscription, were identified as the major problems they encountered in using smartphones. The study recommended the need for  management to collaborate with IT companies to develop smartphones capable of supporting their seeking of information which improve students’ academic performance. Furthermore, management should collaborate with network service providers to reduce cost of internet subscription to students that will encourage continues use of smartphone to support their seeking of information.

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A SUVERY OF STUDENTS INFORMATION NEEDS AND LIBRARY SERVICES IN HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (HMS) JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL LIBRARY, KADUNA STATE

A SUVERY OF STUDENTS INFORMATION NEEDS AND LIBRARY SERVICES IN HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (HMS) JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL LIBRARY, KADUNA STATE

ABSTRACT

The study on A survey of Users Information Needs and Library services at Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior Secondary School, Kaduna. The objectives of the study were to identify the user information needs in use of resources in Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior Secondary School Kaduna, to determine the library services in Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior Secondary school Kaduna, to identify challenges of users in meeting their information, needs and library services of Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior secondary School. Lastly to provide solution of solving the problems of user information, needs and Library services of Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior Secondary School. The questionnaire in form of checklist was used as the instrument for gathering information. The sample size is 70 population. For this study, the subject random sampling techniques was used. The sample in random sampling technique is subject is the population. The data gathered were analysed in frequencies, percentage tables and charts. However, is more in Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior Secondary School Library, and others are less, the Library must as a matter of Policy periodically re-assess the information needs of their community. This is even more imperative now that the users have developed sophisticated needs which are constantly. Libraries should give proper orientation to library users. In order to ensure adequate use of library information, authorities should budget enough funds for the acquisition of adequate library and information resources, it is also recommended that current and adequate information resources should be acquired to increase the level of user satisfaction.

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0       Background of the study

A survey of Student information needs and library service at the Health Information Management System (HMS) School, Kaduna is a general phenomenon. Library has been described as the “heart” of the learning community, providing a place for students and faculty to conduct their research and advance their knowledge. In the education system, library is the centre of academic life. A library attached to a secondary education exists to support the goals of its parent organization. Since library are an integral part of the education system, they should provide support services for the formal educational programs as well as for facilities for research and for generation of new knowledge. It is important for any information or any other library to know the real needs of the user in the school.

The library users need to improve on the quality services to survive in this volatile competitive environment. Wittaker (2011) noted that Provision of easy to use library catalogues; adequate guides to library collections and keenly shelved books enhance and facilitate library use. Hence, in order to serve all parties and support research and development, the library has to embrace such valuable tools as a catalogue, proper shelving, adoption of library automation and well trained staff. The library also serves as a place where the student can learn to keep himself up to date with the development in the social, political and economic situation in his society and the world generally. An ideal academic institution library is also expected to provide light reading materials that can help to broaden the student’s mind, to aspect and appreciate his culture and to develop his moral and intellectual horizon. It is also an institution for training of the student to understand his surroundings and well groomed individual who has been prepared to give his quota to the development of his society.

Alokun (2010) noted that every academic staff is particularly keen in keeping himself current in his subject field. Therefore, academic staffs are one of the many users of the library who expect the library to provide them with materials to enhance their teaching and research findings. The survey provided valuable data on the nature of students’ use of the library and its collections. According to literature the secondary library users are generally satisfied with the collection both in print and electronic format but there are a number of shortfalls that cause dissatisfaction. They include insufficient electronic databases, inadequate outdated books, difficult information retrieval tools, insufficient computer terminal, slow connectivity etc. The study recommended various practical steps to satisfy their clients’ needs. These were arms of stock and services. The librarians must above all establish very good relationship with the students so that they should encourage them to express their true satisfaction (Alokun 2010).

Since the library service  is committed to provide information resources, it has to develop an on-going dialog with its user in the school. Therefore it is crucial to evaluate the library services- from customer’s point of view. At the same time in order to set up user –centered service the library needs to know the users and user needs. It is impossible to assess the changing needs of the clientele unless user surveys are conducted to determine user needs and their reading interests. The school is not a static environment but, rather, one charge with change and adjustment to change.

1.2       Historical Background of Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior Secondary School Library

Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior Secondary School library is the product of the successful culmination of 15 years struggle by the Kaduna polytechnic community. The need for a secondary school library filled in the gap in the educational cycle, which has been existing since. In fact, the PTA of the staff school spear-headed the struggle for the establishment of the secondary school.

The secondary school dream was actualized during the leadership of DR. Nuru Yakubu who was then the rector of the Polytechnic, on Monday 17th November, 1997. It was handed to Mrs. M.A. Mahmoud as the first acting principal of the school supported by a team of (9) teaching staffs. The school took off at it temporary site, comprising of 3 block of classes the principal office and a staff room all located at the staff premises, with the population of 112 students.

School administration took over all responsibility for coordinating resources

(human and materials from within and outside the school) for the achievement of optimum result. Administrators were therefore given mandate to approved educational policies by adhering to educational curriculums. The head of the Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior Secondary School was the principal, the appointments of the school’s principal was expected to be a planner, organizer, manager of resources director and coordinator of all the activities in the school.

Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior Secondary School had experienced the service of three principals from 1997 – 2007.

The first was Mrs. Maimunatu A. Mahmood, she acted as the first school principal from 1997 -2001, while the second was Malam Musa Bado Gumel, from 2002-2004, and the third in leadership series was Mrs. Asmau’u Abdulkadir from 2004 -2007. It is on thus premise that the study will investigate the user needs and effectiveness of library services in the Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior Secondary School, Kaduna

1.3       Statement of the Problem

In order to determine the information needs of the user of services library, as of any other kind of library, it is necessary to establish goals involved in the education process and thus achieve satisfactory interaction with supporting units in the polytechnic. This collaboration should not be disregarded, since the library user is an active participant in the information system and it must be borne in mind that his/her needs should determine the shape of the education system.

In some instances users of library services may be unaware of many of the information sources and services available or potentially available, given that their information needs may be directed towards solving a limited number of problems whereas the system is geared to very broad disciplines.

The staff of the library is responsible for the efficiency of the system and should direct users to the relevant sources and services, adapting their services to user demands. In addition, an information source should anticipate the requirements of users and gear itself to them. This can only be done through continuous cooperation between library and schools goals, making it possible not only to establish current needs but also to discern trends which will lead to the system being faced with new information demands.

Library Administration solicit funds and assistant from foreign agencies and foundations who are interested for the cause. Most student fail in achieving academic work because they do not have enough facilities in the library that will encourage them to read. Library is equipped to enable the student achieve his or her personal academic goals. Therefore, the uncertainty has motivated a survey of user needs and effectiveness of library service at the Health Information Management System (HMS) Junior Secondary School, Kaduna.

 1.4      Research Questions

  1. What are the information needs of Students in Health Information Management System (HMS) School Library Kaduna ?
  2. What are the available Library services in Health Information Management System (HMS) School Library Kaduna?
  3. What are the challenges of users information needs in Health Information Management System (HMS) School Library Kaduna?
  4. What are the solutions to challenges of users information, needs in Health Information Management System (HMS) School Library, Kaduna?

1.5       Objectives of the Study

The main objectives of the user survey were:

  1. To identify the information needs of Students in Health Information Management System (HMS) School Library Kaduna
  2. To determine the Library services in Health Information Management System (HMS) School Kaduna?
  3. To identify challenges of users in meeting their information, needs and Library services of Health Information Management System (HMS) School?
  4. To provide solution of solving the problems of user information, needs and Library services of Health Information Management System (HMS) School?

1.6       Significance of the Study

The finding of the study will be significant to user of library, teachers, Ministry of Education, students in secondary school and management.

The findings of the study will help users of library to identify information needed in achieving their goal in Health Information Management System (HMS) School, Kaduna.

The finding of the study will help in defeating the effectiveness of library same to the (teachers, Students).

The Findings of the study will benefit management, ministry of Education and Policy makes in taking decisions through identifying services.

1.7       Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This research was done in Kaduna State and it covered the following: Users’ needs in achieving library services Effectiveness of library services to users of Health Information Management System (HMS) School.

Identify the problems and solutions of library services in Health Information Management System (HMS) School.

1.8       Operational Definition of Terms

Information: This can be thought of as the resolution of uncertainty; it is that which answers the question of “what an entity is” and thus defines both its essence and nature of its characteristics.

Library: It is an institution that acquires, organizes, preserves and make available recorded knowledge for reading, studying and consultation.

Library Service: These are Services provided by the library to the users. This can include instruction on how to access and use library materials. The Library services / facilities include Circulation Service, Reference Service, Online reservation of books, Recommendation of library material, Current Awareness Service etc.

Needs: This is something that is necessary for an organism to live a healthy life.

School:  A school is an educational institution designed to provide learning spaces and learning environments for the teaching of students (or “pupils”) under the direction of teachers.

School Library: A school library (or a school library media center) is a library within a school where students, staff, and often, parents of a public or private school have access to a variety of resources.

Users: Somebody who exploits or manipulate as a means to an end.

Library user needs: It integrates students’ class educational experience and library as gateway of information resources.

 

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