This study examines internet usage by distance
students of Valley View University on Techiman Campus,
Ghana. Descriptive research design was used for this study.
The students were randomly selected which gave a sample
size of 342 from a total population of 384. Questionnaire was
the main data collection instrument used. The study revealed
that the distance students do not have full access to the
internet; most of them use the internet weekly because of
their course structure. The study found out that the distance
learners use the internet for specific knowledge in their
courses. The study also discovered that users find it difficult
to access the internet because of slow network in the library.
Recommendations were made to the management to improve
on internet facilities in the library.
Ameyaw Samuel : holds Masters Degree in Information Studies
from University of Ghana -Legon. He is currently working as Acting
Librarian at Valley View University Library, Accra- Oyibi, Ghana.
Samuel has a rich experience in the library profession which
makes him a force to reckon.
Edward Asante : is an Assistant Librarian in charge of EResources
at Koforidua Polytechnic Library in Ghana. Edward
holds MPhil in Information Studies and currently a PhD student in
Information Science at University of South Africa Pretoria. He has
a considerable number of journal articles and conference papers
to his credit. Edward is also a tutor of Information Studies at the
University of Ghana Distance Centre-Koforidua in Ghana.
Distance Learners, Ghana, Internet Usage,
Students, Academic Environment
Access to internet services and its benefits for the
developing countries is very imperative. However, great
challenges such as poverty, lack of digital education,
infrastructure, and unstable political environment are
becoming the key barriers. The conclusion drawn from the
study shows that internet system is slightly accessible in
the library, therefore only a small number of students get
access to internet facilities. Again, unreliable power
supply in the library does not encourage the use of internet
facilities in the library therefore much need to be done to
improve the internet facilities.
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