Pastor

ABSTRACT

This Study examines the extent of usage of Internet among students of University of Calabar and how this has affected their Academic performance. Internet is indeed a powerful tool for academics -students and researchers. The Internet has been shown to influence the academic performance of students at the tertiary level. The influence of the Internet on academic performance as shown in available literature has shown that it could be positive and/or negative. A questionnaire was designed and administered to students in the Departments of Curriculum and Teaching, University of Calabar, Nigeria. A total of 350 respondents returned the completed questionnaire. Three research questions were raised and were accordingly addressed. The paper was therefore of the opinion that if Internet Services are fully exploited, the performance of students in institutions of higher learning in Nigeria will improve.

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

1.2 Theoretical Framework

Like any other academic endeavour, this work is pegged on a theory, which is that of uses and gratification. The bottom line of uses and gratification theory is that media do not do things to people; rather, people do things with media. Specifically the objective of uses and gratification theory, according to Burgeon, Hunsaker & Dawson (1994:374-375), is to explain how individuals use mass communication to gratify their needs. Putting it analogical, the theory explains why one person rushes home, for example, to stay up late at night to watch the local news or read a medium. It also highlights the positive consequences of individual media use. In their contribution, Baran and Davis (2001) conclude that audience members actively seek out the mass media to satisfy individual needs. These include learning, passing time, companionship, escape from tension, excitement and relaxation.

Baran (2002: 384) and Devito (1991:477) reveal that mass media audience...