CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Distance Education is synonymous to technology: from print (correspondence systems), to Educational Radio and Television systems, to multimedia systems and then Internet based systems. Al-Fahad (2009) added that Distance Education relies heavily on technologies that include: Print, broadcast radio, broadcast television, computer conferencing, electronic mail, interactive video, satellite telecommunication and multimedia computer technology in order to promote student-teacher interaction and provide necessary feedback to the learner at a distance. Literature has however pointed to the persistent challenge of lack of infrastructural development in sub Saharan Africa (Yusuf, 2005; Olulobe, 2007; Kwache, 2007; Olakulehin, 2010; Ofulue, 2011), which impedes the use of appropriate technology to advance Distance Education.

Mobile phone devices have become an essential part of daily life and a valuable means of information dissemination since its evolution in the late 1990s’ in Nigeria and in most developing countries. Several studies have found the use of mobile phone among youth particularly students to be very important. In Nigeria, the emergence of mobile phones with internet services has brought about a profound and diverse pool of knowledge. However, it has also led, unintentionally though, to circumscribed students’ commitment to serious academic work, negatively impacted their thinking processes, communication and language skills.

Cell phones are equipped with multimedia phone features, which include camera function, sound recording function, video function and many others. These features assist students to drive their learning process and dreams effectively. According to Kibona and Mgaya (2015), most cell phone- and recreational applications are addictive to both the higher level and lower level students in Tanzania, which, in turn, affects their academic performance. The applications mentioned included WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook. Furthermore, some learning systems have emerged over the years and involve ubiquitous learning (u-learning), which is being powered by cell phone capabilities in the learning environment. According to Jung (2014), ubiquitous learning (u-learning) combines the characteristics of electronic learning (e-learning) and mobile learning (m-learning), in driving forward different forms of learning through the internet connection process in the 21st century.

It was suggested by Ezemenaka (2013) that the use of internet-enabled phones has been on the rise in the 21st century, and as a matter of fact is something that many cannot comprehend. Additionally, young people pay a great deal of attention to their internet enabled phones, also to what their peers think of them. As the mental effects of the use of cell phones are ever present in the lives of the users, there also exist other impacts caused by the continuous use of cell phones, and this has been identified to be an ‘addiction’. Some psychologists, of recent, have issued cautions that cell phone users face the risk of being addicted to their phones. There are some medical concerns that have been raised in association with the use of cell phones; there also happens to be effects such as insomnia, anxiety, misery and others (Ezemenaka, 2013). All these effects usually develop when students find themselves without their cell phones. Ebiye (2015) listed the rudimentary utilities of cell phones, which comprise mobile teleconferencing, mobile audio and visual calls, as well as sending and receiving electronic mails. Then, according to Gowthami and VenkataKrishnaKumar (2016), they argue that the use of the internet is now a routine habit for students, as well as a medium that is used by students to search for information at anytime and anywhere. Based on all indications, the rate of cell phone penetration aids teaching and learning processes among students in developing societies through the use of internet connections. Cell phones and mobile technologies make access, exchange and mobility of information easier (Kent, 2016).

1. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The high levels of addiction to smart phones prove that it affects students’ academic performance (Kibona & Mgaya, 2015). This addiction causes some concerns as to whether the use of smart phones hampers or elevates the performance of students in general. Ezemenaka (2013) writes that the invention of mobile phone technology thrived with the quest for new knowledge changes and the desire among university students, and most of them are affected, including undergraduate students. This impact contributes to the students’ academic performance both negatively and positively.

Students happen to be interested in ways they can learn and at the same time have their attention captivated. They may be provided with autonomy over their educational experience (Buck et al., 2013) and access to standard learning contents and opportunities (Day & Erturk, 2017). As a matter of fact, one of the most important features of the ever-evolving features of the smart phone is its small or rather portable size and its ability to be used not only in the classroom, but also outside the classroom (Mokoena, 2012). This offers an edge over the traditional platform for learning and teaching, which deals with books and chalk/marker boards behind the four walls of education institutions.

1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of cell phone and information sharing among university students of American University of Nigeria.

Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. Examine the positive impacts of smart-phone usage on the academic performance of students in American University of Nigeria
2. Examine the negative effects of smart-phone usage on the academic performance of students in American University of Nigeria
3. Ascertain some of the challenges involved in using smart-phones students of American University of Nigeria
4. Find out the effects of smart-phones on students’ academic capabilities

1. RESEARCH QUESTIONS

Arising from the research objectives, the following research questions will be addressed in the study:

1. What are the positive impacts of smart-phone usage on the academic performance of students in American University of Nigeria?
2. What are the negative effects of smart-phone usage on the academic performance of students in American University of Nigeria?
3. What are some of the challenges involved in using smart-phones students of American University of Nigeria?
4. What are the effects of smart-phones on students’ academic capabilities?

1. RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

H0 there is no significant influence between use of cell phone and information sharing among students of American University of Nigeria.

H1 there is significant influence between use of cell phone and information sharing among students of American University of Nigeria.

1. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study is highly important because it will investigate the influence of cell phone as a medium of information sharing among students of American University of Nigeria, especially as the world is growing to the digital age of technological usage in the 21st century.

The findings of the study will revealed both the negative and positive impacts of cell phone usage as a medium of information sharing among students of American University of Nigeria.

The research will also important to all the American University students of Nigeria and every other university both public and private. The positive influence will be promoted by government, university authorities, parents and religious leaders.

1. SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study focuses mainly on investigation of the influence of cell phone of information sharing among university students in Nigeria, specifically; the interest of the study will be restricted on American University of Nigeria, due to time and finance constraints. Thus, the investigation of the study will be conducted within American University of Nigeria and the focus of the will be o students and staffs of the institution.

1. LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

TIME CONSTRAINTS: One the challenges experienced by the researcher is the issue of time; the research will simultaneously engage in departmental activities like seminars and attendance to lectures. But the researcher was able to meet up with the deadline for the submission of the project.

FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS: Every research work needs funding; however lack of adequate funds might affect the speed of the researcher in getting materials for completion of the project.

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Information sharing

Information sharing describes the exchange of data between various organizations, people and technologies. ... Information shared by individuals (such as a video shared on Facebook or YouTube) Information shared by organizations (such as the RSS feed of an online weather report).

Cell phone

A wireless telephone using a system of low-powered radio transmitters, with each transmitter covering a distinct geographical area (cell ), and computer equipment to switch a call from one area to another, thus enabling broad-scale portable phone service. Such a wireless telephone that has other functions, as text messaging or internet access.

University students

A student enrolled in a college or university. college student. College boy, college man, collegian - a student (or former student) at a college or university. Matriculate - someone who has been admitted to a college or university.

Positive effect 

Is the ability to constructively analyze a situation where the desired results are not achieved; but still obtain positive feedback that assists our future progression.

Negative effect

A fact, situation, or experience that is negative is unpleasant, depressing, or harmful.