Assessing the Availability and Usage of Online Resources Among University Students in Pakistan
Year: 2021
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Purpose of the study: This study aims to shed light on how university students' access to resources, use, and diversity of online resources influence their academic performance and overall learning outcomes across different academic disciplines and institutions.Methodology: A cross-sectional survey approach was used in this quantitative study. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 450 students from different departments of public and private sector universities in Lahore. A standardized close-ended questionnaire that was electronically delivered was used to collect data. Inferential statistics like chi-square tests or correlation analysis were used to determine statistically significant correlations between the variables.Principal Findings: Results show that university students from various academic areas and institution types have easy access to online resources. The popular categories of online resources were e-books and instructional videos. Several factors influence them, including usability, relevance to coursework, comfort with the platform, and recommendations from teachers and peers. The study shows a favorable association between students' perceived impact of using online resources and their academic achievement (GPA) and learning outcomes (exam scores).Applications of the study: Universities, teachers, politicians, and educational technology creators are just a few of the educational stakeholders. This research has significant ramifications or applications in the academic sector. Universities can better adjust to the changing demands of modern learners by examining the patterns of online resource use among their student body. Educators can create pedagogical strategies that improve student learning.Novelty/Originality of the study: The study results can help create pedagogical strategies that include technological inclusions to advance student learning. To close the digital divide between students from different backgrounds/ individual differences and enable fair access to online resources, policymakers may learn more about the digital infrastructure needed in Pakistan.
Language: English
Subfield: Library and Information Sciences
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4386580643