Gender Assessment of Computer and Internet Usage among Student Teachers in Ekiti State Tertiary Institutions

Abstract

The study investigates the usage of computer and Internet resources (IR) among 240 student teachers randomly selected from the Ekiti State University and College of Education Ikere, using a validated questionnaire. Data analysis involves the use of frequency counts, percentages as well as Likert-type scale. Findings show a high level of awareness of online resources among the student teachers; however, the men were more informed than the women. The Ekiti State University students, irrespective of gender, have access to the use of most internet resources than their counterparts from the college of education. Smart phones and computers from Internet café were the major sources of access to IR while Networking, Music and educational resources recorded the highest usage of IR. The majority of the students are not versed in computer usage as they access to it in the classrooms and homes. The significant challenges of internet resource usage witnessed, (irrespective of gender) are; inadequate power supply; lack of computer skills among teachers; poor internet connectivity, lack of skilled manpower and financial constraints. The study recommends the need to review the educational curriculum and integrate Computer and Internet usage into the teacher’s education. The Ekiti State Government and voluntary Organizations should extend the distribution of computers to the higher institutions in the state. The female student teachers should be encouraged to increase their usage of internet resources. Students from the college of education should be encouraged to utilize internet resources to enhance their performance in the classroom and global economic transformation.

Keywords: Gender, Internet Usage, Internet Resoources, Student Teachers.