AKWA IBOM STATE UNIVERSITY JOUNAL OF ARTS

This study set out to assess the digital literacy level of academic staff of Akwa Ibom State University using 222 subjects selected by an accidental sampling technique from 493 academic staff of the institution. A 4-point researchers’ structured questionnaire with closed-ended questions was used as instrument for data collection. The aim of the researchers was to investigate the extent to which digital literacy is used in research, teaching, learning and connecting with colleagues in other universities by academic staff of Akwa Ibom State University. Information was collected in the following areas: Online searching, downloading and uploading, social media, computer appreciation, file management, and e-learning skills. Of the 222 questionnaires sent out, 203 were returned. The analysis of the questionnaires was coded using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and analysed using the descriptive statistics of percentage counts, mean scores and standard deviations, with relevant interpretations based on the research questions. The analysis revealed that the academic staff of Akwa Ibom State University are generally digitally literate with a high proficiency rate in most of the areas investigated. The areas of weakness include low e-learning skills; low level of file management skills; low level of skills to upload documents and files and low level of social media skills in using social media platforms. Factors responsible for the insufficient level of performances include inadequate power supply, poor internet services and non-availability of adequate digital devices. It is suggested that the university improve on the power situation in the university, make internet facility available in departments and provide soft loans to help academic staff acquire their personal devices. E- Learning apps should also be made available in lecture halls.

Open Full Text (PDF)