Students attitude towards Internet in Islamic

University
Abstract
Internet is a useful tool for all in a technologically advanced world. Internet
use for education is very important. It is now practicing in every sector of
students life to get more out of it. In this study, the emphasis is given on the
most important success factor that investigates about Internet usage by
students of the University. The sample of the data is taken from the Islamic
university, Kushtia. The quantitative technique (questionnaire) was followed
for data collection. The results reveal that most students find that the
Internet knowledge is essential for every students.Above all respondents in
the questionnaire that students feel uncomfortable and difficult in using the
Internet. It is recommended that students should give facilities for significant
and positive use of the Internet so that they may get optimal advantage from
using the internet.

Introduction
Internet use is spreading rapidly into daily life and directly
affecting peoples ideas and behaviour. Internet has an impact in
many areas, of course, including the higher education system.
Internet is playing a key role in learning process and preparing
students to effectively participate in the 21st century workplace.
Internet use has become a way of life for the majority of higher
education students all around the world. For most university
students, the Internet is a functional tool, one that has greatly
changed the way they interact with others and with information
as they go about their studies. They use computers to accomplish
a wide range of academic tasks. Many students prepare course
assignments, make study notes etc. with the help of internet.
Though internet provides many facilities, students of our
university face several problems in using internet such as,

As

M
P
R
A
Munich Personal RePEc Archive

Students' attitude towards the uses of

internet
Kashif-Ur- Rehman and Ahmed Imran Hunjra
and Nadeem
Safwan and Abrar Ahmad
Iqra University Islamabad Campus, Pakistan, Foundation
University
Rawalpindi, Pakistan
2009
Online at
https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/40683/

MPRA Paper No. 40683, posted 16. August 2012 09:46

UTC
Students attitude towards the Uses of Internet
Dr. Kashif
-Ur
-Rehman
Associate Professor, Iqra University Islamabad Campus, Pakistan
drkashif@iqraisb.edu.pk
Ahmed Imran
Hunjra
Lecturer
at UIMS
PMAS
-University of Arid Agriculture
Rawalpi
ndi and PhD Scholar
in Iqra Universi
ty, Islamabad, Pakistan.
He
brings along a teaching and research
experience of over four year. His research work is
published
in international journals. He
has also authored five books.
Mr. Ahmeds area of interest is finance
, economics
and
general management.
Email: ahmedhunjra@gmai
l.com
Dr. Nadeem Safwan
Ass
istant
Professor, Foundation University Rawalpindi
, Pakistan
nadeemsafwan@yahoo.com
Abrar

Ahmad
Associate Professor, Iqra University Islamabad Campus, Pakistan
abrar@iqraisb.edu.pk
Corresponding Author:
Dr. Kashif
-Ur
-Rehman
Associate Professor, Iqra University Islamabad Campus, Pakistan
drkashif@iqraisb.edu.pk

Students attitude towards the Uses of Internet

Abstract
Internet is a useful tool for all in a technologically advanced world. Internet use for education
is very important. It
is
now
in practice
to teach school to college to get more out of it. In this study, the
emphasis is given
on the most
important success factor that investigates
about Internet usage by students of the University
, whether it
is an
effective learning tool f
or students and teachers and also examines the level of use Internet and whether the Internet
is useful for distance learners. The sample of the data
is taken from the universities of
the twin ci
ties (Islamabad and
Rawalpindi)
. The quantitative technique f
or data analysis was SPSS. T
he results reveal
that most students find that
the Internet knowledge
is essential for students and teachers. Above all respondents in the questionnaire that
students feel comfortable using the Internet and provides substantial
information and half of those surveyed felt that
Internet use is difficult in school. Result
s show that the Internet is easier to use then the collection of research tools,
while the Internet is very important. It is recommended that students should align their
potential for significant and
positive use of the Internet.
Further it is

recommend
ed also to educate students to use basic Internet tools.
Key words:
Technologically advance world, education purposes, effective tool,
Internet usage
1.
Introduction
Word
Internet is derived from the words
global
and
network
. The Internet can be defined as
network of
networks and is the world
s largest and most widely used network. The Internet can be used as an additional
convenient
method. The Internet is a useful tool for all in a technologically sophisticated world. The
Internet is also
widely used in education. The use of Internet for education is very important. It is now being
used to teach
in
school
s and
college
s to get more out of it (Usun, 2003). The Internet offers more information than the largest
libraries in the world. Using the Internet in universities has a positive value. Many
universities around the world are
also using Internet for educational purposes for easy and e
ffective teaching (Usun,
2003
). The Internet has become
an essential p
art in educational institutions
since it plays a vital role in meeting information and communication
needs of students, teachers and institutions. Teachers are being invited to give thei
r teaching materials and other
support resources available through the Internet (Dede, 1996). Students use the Internet to
communicate
not only
with colleagues, but also with their instructors. Students and teachers can communicate
with each other with the
help
of Internet (Chickering
&

Gamson, 1991). It has an easy access to all information on the latest research reports from
anywhere in the world. It helps researchers, teachers, students and institutions to disseminate
information to more
viewers worldwid
et
hrough websites (Molebash, 1999;
Wright
& Marsh, 2000). Teachers get useful information
about their classes and also download useful and latest information on the subject.
A teacher may ask students to
find a topic and
related
research on the Internet.
The Internet is also used to replace the traditional classroom lecture.
The instructor can place course notes on web pages, create recordings video of a live
conference for presentation to
the Internet or can use combinations of these ideas (Forsyth, 1998)
.
Although universities have gained valuable resources with the Internet and World Wide Web
(WWW) Internet owes
much of its magnificent production of the last thirty years to the efforts of these colleges and
universities. The
Internet also enables various scholars in different places in the world to exchange ideas on
various fields of study.
Internet has also enabled the growth of distance education, both within nations and
without
international borders. It
is
for
the benefits that these students, academi
c institutions and organizations use
Internet as an integral part in
improving the quality of education (zgen et al., 1996). The event of the twentieth century is
undoubtedly the
phenomenon known simply as the Internet or network. The rapid growth of the Internet in
1990 may be recognized
by their greater use. Internet use can be seen to support and promote the technological
revolution that has taken
place in education. The Internet seems to be the most perfect instrument of education that
offers students
convenience while offering enormous potential for teaching.
The theory of
web
-based learning is more refined and complex than those of mere learning (
Tsai

, 2009)
, Moreover,
many students perceived learning in web
-based context in order to have insights and
details for
the learning
perspective.
This varies that the implementation of webbased directions may be future prospects for encouraging
students conceptions of learning.
To make proper use of Internet in schools, colleges and universities there is a need to
understand the attitudes of
students toward the use of it. And it must be ensured
that resources are being used in college legally and if there are
problems
, then problem areas must first strike and then put the necessary measures to overcome the p
roblem. For the
student
s attitude toward Internet applications, university administration should know that the
purposes for which
students are using it as entertainment and sports, for academic purposes, correspondence and
business and social
purposes, et
c. It is the duty of the administrator from one university to information and enabling factors
that students
are using the Internet for educational purposes. Now a day, all schools, colleges and
universitie
s are using Internet
technology. With the help of this, schools, colleges and universities, teachers are valuable
teaching tool. So to have
more benefits from the resources you need to know about problem areas or barriers, but also
take measures to
address the best use of resources as the Internet. Increasingly, universities are investing in
Internet services. School
is also making its teaching materials available online. While universities and academics are
trying to build the
Internet, a valuable learning tool, it is necessary to understand what their st
udents
attitudes toward Internet
applications. Most of the Pakistani population exists in rural areas where Internet facility is
not available and
therefore are not aware of the Internet. And institutions are not giving any kind of Internet
education to r
ural areas.

As the Internet has become an essential tool for college students and professional life, all
things that are occurring
are nor
mally made through the Internet.
Although Internet students can take many advantages
from
Internet,
but due
to some fa
ctors, are not aware of the Internet or the information about the Internet is inadequate
because the
students
attitude toward the Internet is negative or slightly lower. These factors are
due to
sites that divert the
attention of students of the education
al purpose for which the student is using the Internet.
This paper focuses all university students frequently usi
ng
the Internet for study and related work. It explores to
know about Internet usage by students of the University whether
it is an effective learning tool for students and
teachers and also examines the level of Internet use and
it useful
ness
for distance learners.
5. Conclusions and R
ecommendations
5.1 Conclusion
This resea
rch was conducted on the student
s attitude toward Internet applications. The research objective is to
identify factors influencing student Internet us
e.
Information was gathered
through the questionnaires on
students
using the Internet.
The first section concludes that 61.3% of total respondents are male and 38.7% are female.
It
finds that the Internet is
an
essential knowledge for students and teachers
. Most
ly the respondents

are
that
from
computer
and economics courses. Students use the Internet primarily for educational and research
purposes and
benefits instead of playing a positive role and participation in society.
However, it provides extensive information on
the required assignments, and thus covers many dimensions
that meet educational needs.
Students find the Internet more informative as
compared to
teachers. The majority
of students
feel comfortable using
the Internet. Above
mostly
respondent
s answered that the Internet provides useful information and half of those
surveyed felt that Internet use is difficult
in school
. The 265 or 88.3% of respondents respon
ded
that the Internet is
easier to use than the library and is important for educationa
l projects. Respondents enjoy collecting
more
information than written material. Two
third
respondents overwhelmed with Internet found in the studies.
Additionally, t
he results indicate that most respondents are satisfied that Internet access is more in co
llege than at
home and most of those participants
said the Internet is slow at home. Respondents also expressed great confidence
and satisfaction in using Internet for educational purposes. The 218 or 72.3% respondents
have
safety concerns
about using the
Internet.
It is recommended that students should align their potential for significant and positive use of
the Internet. Students
must realize that the Internet is a medium. It is recommended that students should not waste
their time on useless
activities

. Basic Internet tools

may be introduced to students in their early stages of education.
The benefits of
Internet should be disseminated
to all students. Institutions should provide better infrastructure to facilitate students.
Universities should organize
courses that build up internal capacity of students require to use Internet in efficient
and effective way
. The courses organized by University should highlight the use of Internet research
techniques
and
course materials should be situated on the Web to
facilitate access by students.
5.2 Contribution
As we are living in the era of modern technology, therefore, there must to address the future
needs and requirement
of students. The future planning is the jurisdiction of policy making institutions and depar
tments such as planning
commission, policy institute, etc. The present study will enable f
uture policy makers to provide I
nternet facilities to
future generations. The study reveals that computer and I
nternet is playing pivotal role in educational project
s and
especially for research. It is easier to search through internet as compare to sit in the library
and collect information.
The present study will send a strong message to publishers and writers to shift from their
attention from hard binding
books to
soft copies of their finding and make available on the I
nternet so that more people can get access to this
invaluable information. A wast majority of the student
is using I
nternet in their educational life. This study provides
a solution to elderly and ha
ndicapped people who can move out from their houses without help. They can use
Internet and find interesting things according to their own choice for reading and enjoying.
That would help saving
time and resources both that is going to be scarce in 21st mi
llennium. The I
nternet use will encourage our younger
generations to make use of modern technologies to accomplish their ambition. The present
study will encourage
those students who do not use I
nternet because of security and reasons

to use internet and compete.

The study will
further contribute to create awareness among older age people who are afraid of both
computer and
Internet. They
should be provided training so that they can also use computer and
Internet.
5.3 Limitations and Future Research
The present study is conducted in twin cities of Rawalpindi Islamabad among gradates
students of business management and computer faculties ,therefore, smaller data
collectionwas possible. Keeping in mind the limitations, convenient sampling method was
used.
Since MS/Ph.D program
s are new in Pakistan and students are
engaged in research activities, t
his sort of study may be conducted at higher
level.
The present study directs future
researcher to explore and address the safety concerns regarding using I
nternet
. The future research
ers
can find out
safe and secure ways so that those who are not using internet can also use. Another important
issue in this regard is
privacy. The research has shown that privacy is a paramount concern for I
nternet users. The future researcher can
further explore and deal with the privacy issue. The third and last direction for future re
search is to address misuse
of Internet by young students. It is very serious problem and affects both students and
parents. Instead of stop using
Internet it is the duty of the future researcher and scholars to find out safe and sound ways of
using
Internet.
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Table 1 Frequency Distribution with respect to GENDER
and AGE
(N=300)
Table
2 Frequency Distribution and descriptive statistics with respect to Major
(N=300)
Table 3 Descriptive statistics in favor of usage of Internet
(N=300)
Items
Frequency Distribution with respect to Students attitude towards
the uses of internet (N=300)
5
4
3
2
1
Mean
St. Dev
Knowledge of I
nternet is essential
for
students
127
122
9
18
24
4.0333
1.1904
Internet is Important like other research
tools

118
112
13
27
30
3.8700
1.2982
Internet is easier to use than library
91
174
9
17
9
4.0700
0.9099
I find the Internet to be as informative as
teachers
116
114
9
31
30
3.8500
1.3089
I enjoy Getting information more from
written material
than Inter
net
11
54
19
124
92
2.2267
1.1718
I feel overwhelmed using I
nternet in
studies
28
47
12
106
107
2.2727
1.3389

I use
I
nternet for learning fun
118
129
9
29
15
4.0200
1.1242
I find using the I
nternet as an integral part
81
158
9
37
15
3.8433
1.1058
Gender
Frequency
Percentage
Age
Frequency
Percentage
Male
184
61.3%
20
23
212
70.7%
Female
116
38.7%
24-27
48
16%
28
31
40
13.3%
Total

300
100%
Total
100
100%
Major
Frequency
Percentage
Accounting
37
12.3%
Economics
68
22.7
%
Finance
52
17
.
3
%
Computer
118
39
.3%
Other
25
8
.3
%
Total
300
100%
of the educational process
I access the
I
nternet more at university than
at home
100
129
6
37
28
3.7867
1.2832

I fe
el comfortable in using I
nternet
83
163
9
33
12
3.9067
1.0496
(5= strongly agree, 4= Agree, 3= Neutral, 2= Disagree, 1= strongly disagree)
Tabl
e 4 Descriptive statistics against usage of Internet
(N=300)
Items
Frequency Distribution with respect to Students attitude towards
the uses of internet (N=300)
5
4
3
2
1
Mean
St. Dev
Internet contains useless information
11
27
16
136
110
1.9767
1.055
0
Internet is difficult to use
14
71
71
108
36
2.7300
1.0929
I dont like using internet for important
educational projects
7
20

18
155
100
1.9300
0.9317
I am different about using internet for
education
80
90
6
73
51
3.2500
1.4950
I have security con
cern about using internet
19
50
13
117
101
2.2300
1.2526
I find internet slow at home
81
101
8
77
33
3.4000
1.3999
Accessing, suffering and browsing the
internet confuses me
11
44
16
127
102
2.1167
1.1405
(5= strongly agree, 4= Agree, 3= Neutral, 2= Dis
agree, 1= strongly disagree)
QUESTIONNAIRE
Students
attitude towards uses of I

nternet
Section I
Respondent profile
1. Gender?
Male
Female
2. Age?
20-23
24-27
28-31
More than 31
3. What is your Major?
Section II
(Strongly Disagree = 1, Disagree = 2, Neutral = 3, Agree = 4, s
trongly Agree = 5)
Acco
unting Majors
and Degrees
Economics Majors
and Degrees
Finance Majors
and Degrees
Others Business
Majors and Degrees
All Business
Majors and
Degrees
Items
1
2
3
4
5
1. Knowledge of I
nternet is essential
for students
2. Internet is Important like other research tools
3. Internet is easier to use than library
4. I find the Internet to be as informative as teachers
5. I enjoy Getting information more from written material
than Internet
6. I feel overwhelmed using I
nternet in studies
7. I use
I

nternet for learning fun

8. I find using the
I
nternet as an integral part of the educational process
9. I access the
I
nternet more at university than at home
10.
I feel comfortable in using I
nternet
11. Internet contains useless information
12. Internet is difficult to use
13. I dont like using
I
nternet for important educatio
nal projects
14. I am different about using
Internet for education
15. I have security concern about using
I
nternet
16. I find
I
nternet slow at home
17. Accessing, suffering and browsing the
I
nternet confuses me