Abstract
Mobile technology, as a developing technology, has shown great promise and potential for both academic and social activities of students. Many students are now owning smart devices and using them in their daily activities. Smart devices such as smartphones and tablets are becoming increasingly important for students, especially tertiary students, as they use them frequently for their daily information activities. There is a growing trend of students using their smart devices to share coursework information, and accessing social media platforms. However, for the role of smart devices to be well received and appreciated in information gathering and sharing activities, it is essential to understand how students as users perceive the role of smart devices. The perception of students in the usage of their smart devices can play a crucial role in assisting lecturers, academic researchers and administrators at tertiary institutions to better understand the needs of students.
The main aim of this study was to establish how smart device usage can facilitate information gathering and sharing for tertiary students. The innovation diffusion theory (IDT) has been applied in this study as the most suitable foundation, because, as students are increasingly adopting smart devices, and as they are evolving frequently, they follow a process of innovation that is shared over time. The mixed method sequential research (MMR) approach using questionnaires and interviews was used to collect data. The first phase involved the collection and analyses of data using questionnaires. Questionnaires were sent online, as well as in paper format to 315 respondents and 112 questionnaires were returned. The second phase used the collection and analysis of data, using interviews. The interview respondents were selected randomly, and the interviews were conducted face-to-face. Thereafter a holistic data analyses was conducted and triangulated with relevant literature.
The results of the study have indicated that students use their smart devices for accessing and sharing coursework activities such as announcements, handouts, lecture notes and articles. Students also indicated the fact that smart devices are easy to carry around, less complex, have ability to perform multiple searches, and provide for easy access to social media platforms. Students also suggested the need for the MCom Office to assist in promoting student work using social media platforms.
The implications and contributions of the study are that, although students use their smart devices regularly, they still need to understand the in-depth information in terms of what can and cannot be shared using social media platforms. Furthermore, the suggestions from students indicate that they may need more insight into relevant policies, such as Social Media Policy and Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act; relating to publishing of information. The study was limited in terms of number of responses, where it may be very beneficial to include other departments, and establish whether these implications are applicable to other departments at UJ.
M.Phil. (Information Management)