Information Technology in Learning Institutions: An Advantage or A Disadvantage?

Abstract

This study set out to find out the prevalent advantages and disadvantages of using IT in learning institutions, using a private Nigerian university as case study. The core research question was, is the use of IT in tertiary learning institutions more of an advantage than a disadvantage? The survey design was adopted. Two hundred and fourteen students responded to a questionnaire while twenty-four participated in focused group discussion. Ten responded to interview questions It was found that the greatest advantage of IT is easy access to information while immorality was top on the list of the disadvantages identified by the interviewed study participants, with 60%, followed by cybercrime and distraction. It was recommended that more concerted training and sensitization should be undertaken to help the teeming students in Nigeria and the world at large to make more productive use of IT devices in the learning institutions in the face of multifarious web traps and distractions.