THE USE OF THE INTERNET AMONG AGRICULTURAL STUDENTS AT UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST IN GHANA

Abstract

We are living in the age where the Internet is one of the most important tools for accessing information and knowledge to improve the welfare of humankind. All graduates from universities are expected to become internet proficient in order to participate in the Information and Knowledge Age. Therefore, Internet literacy is important to agricultural education because almost all facets of agriculture use computers. This study analyzed the use of the Internet among Agricultural Students at University of Cape Coast in Ghana in 2008/2009 academic year. A total of 200 students were randomly selected and surveyed using a content-validated questionnaire and group discussion. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. The major finding was that the level of knowledge of students on the Internet was low. However, most students have the e-mail addresses and have received training on Internet from private firms outside the University. Occasionally, students used the private cafes in the University to access the Internet. The study recommends among others that hands-on practical approach should be adopted to enhance teaching and learning of ICTs. Moreover, students should be linked to the main University-wide wireless network to enhance access