ABSTRACT
Through the advancement of mobile technology and their increasing affordability, mobile devices have transformed from a means of communication to tools for socialization, entertainment, work, and learning. The purpose of this study was to investigate Delta State University, Abraka undergraduate students access to mobile devices and their use of these devices. The access to and usage of mobile devices have been largely responsible for the tremendous changes in educational and social life of students in recent years. Therefore, related literature which dealt with the access to and use of mobile device(s) by students with regard to gender usage of device(s), was also reviewed as part of this study.
The study employed a descriptive survey. A questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection; Using stratified random sampling techniques, two hundred and fifty questionnaires were distributed to students from the five faculties in Delta State University, Abraka. The data collected were thus analyzed using descriptive statistics.
The findings of the study revealed that a relatively high percentage of students have access to mobile devices (96%) as against those that don’t (4%) meaning majority of D.S.U students have mobile devices. It was also discovered that usages of mobile were higher for female students than males. 50% of D.S.U students spent about 2-4 hours on their mobile devices and they majorly use these devices for connecting with family, friends and others around the world.
It was concluded that if mobile devices are used appropriately, it will also be beneficial to them academically. For instance, students can form online communities in order to plan for a project, have group discussions about class material, or use the Social networking sites as a way to keep in contact when a student who has been absent needs to be updated on current academic information.
The study therefore recommends that students should be educated on the beneficial use of mobile device(s), and it’s effects on both their academic and social lives. There should be a decrease in the time spent by students when surfing the net especially for social activities, more attention should be directed to research and academic work.
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