Abstract

Author(s): P. Rama Murthy, P. Raghunatha Reddy, E. Sridevi

This study was carried out in order to determine Internet searching and usage by the undergraduate students of Dr.NTR University of Health Sciences, Andhra Pradesh, and a review of literature was done on information and communication technologies (ICTs) and its importance in education. A description of Internet and its actual use by lecturers as well as students were also reviewed. Data was obtained from 235 undergraduate students of the institution with the use of a questionnaire. Information collected showed that majority of the respective colleges and University Campus, Vijayawada. Students accessed the Internet from their colleges, cyber cafés, and own arrangements. It also revealed that majority of the respondents were Internet literate with 48.50% of the respondents browsing the Internet daily; 25.75% weekly, 11% fortnightly and 14.750% monthly. It further revealed that the most used Internet facilities are the e-mails, WebPages, search engines, and chatting facilities for communication (with friends, families, lovers, colleagues and lecturers), academic activities and for sourcing of information and knowledge. The benefits of Internet use and the various problems encountered from its use were also revealed. Suggestions and recommendations were proffered based on the findings of the study.