Impact of Internet Use on the Academic Advancement of Engineering Students

Hoda Baytiyeh

Download Paper | Permalink

Conference: 2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Publication Date: June 23, 2013
Start Date: June 23, 2013
End Date: June 26, 2013
ISSN: 2153-5965
Conference Session: Computers and Learning
Tagged Division: Computers in Education
Page Count: 9
Page Numbers: 23.685.1 - 23.685.9
DOI: 10.18260/1-2--19699
Permanent URL: https://peer.asee.org/19699
Download Count: 387

Request a correction

Paper Authors

biography

Hoda Baytiyeh American University of Beirut

visit author page

Dr. Hoda Baytiyeh holds a B.E. in Computer Engineering and M.S. in Computer Science. She has earned a Ph.D. in Instructional Technology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is currently an assistant professor in the Education Department at American University of Beirut where she teaches courses related to the integration of technology in education. Her research interests include Engineering Education, ubiquitous computing using Open Source Software, and online learning communities.

visit author page

Download Paper | Permalink

Abstract

Impact of Internet Use on the Academic Advancement of Engineering StudentsNowadays, the internet represents an essential tool that enables students not only tocommunicate but also to access vast amounts of information on a broad range of topics.This study investigates the impact of the internet use on engineering students. Throughthis research, the authors attempt to answer the following questions: How and to whatextent has the internet contributed to the academic advancement of engineering students?Are there any differences between male and female students’ perceptions? Thetheoretical framework for this study is mainly drawn from the Technology AcceptanceModel (TAM) that emphasizes the variable of perceived usefulness as a majordeterminant for the adoption and usage of computer technology. According to the TAM,people use the Internet influenced by particular motivators. The study offers responses’analysis of (n=1431) engineering students enrolled in three major universities inLebanon. Participants completed a survey collecting a variety of data related todemographics, how long they have been using the internet, how many hours/week theyspend on the internet, and the purpose of these activities. Also, participants were asked torate, using a 4-point Likert-type scale (1=very little, 4=very much), 22 items that reflectthe degree to which their internet use affected their skills. The results revealed that 91%possess internet connection at home, 70% have been using the internet for more than fouryears, and 39% spend over 20 hours a week on the internet. An exploratory FactorAnalysis was applied to the 22 items and provided four promoting success factors ofusing the internet: academic (formal) knowledge factor, informal knowledge factor,professional skills factor, and social skills factor. Repeated measures ANOVA indicatedsignificant differences among the four factor scores. The informal knowledge factor wasshown as the most important for participants followed by the academic knowledge factor,the social skills factor, and the professional skills factor. The results showed nosignificant difference between male and female engineers. This paper contributes to theliterature of engineering education in general and particularly in the Middle East region.

Citation
Format

Baytiyeh, H. (2013, June), Impact of Internet Use on the Academic Advancement of Engineering Students Paper presented at 2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Atlanta, Georgia. 10.18260/1-2--19699

TY - CPAPER
AB - Impact of Internet Use on the Academic Advancement of Engineering StudentsNowadays, the internet represents an essential tool that enables students not only tocommunicate but also to access vast amounts of information on a broad range of topics.This study investigates the impact of the internet use on engineering students. Throughthis research, the authors attempt to answer the following questions: How and to whatextent has the internet contributed to the academic advancement of engineering students?Are there any differences between male and female students’ perceptions? Thetheoretical framework for this study is mainly drawn from the Technology AcceptanceModel (TAM) that emphasizes the variable of perceived usefulness as a majordeterminant for the adoption and usage of computer technology. According to the TAM,people use the Internet influenced by particular motivators. The study offers responses’analysis of (n=1431) engineering students enrolled in three major universities inLebanon. Participants completed a survey collecting a variety of data related todemographics, how long they have been using the internet, how many hours/week theyspend on the internet, and the purpose of these activities. Also, participants were asked torate, using a 4-point Likert-type scale (1=very little, 4=very much), 22 items that reflectthe degree to which their internet use affected their skills. The results revealed that 91%possess internet connection at home, 70% have been using the internet for more than fouryears, and 39% spend over 20 hours a week on the internet. An exploratory FactorAnalysis was applied to the 22 items and provided four promoting success factors ofusing the internet: academic (formal) knowledge factor, informal knowledge factor,professional skills factor, and social skills factor. Repeated measures ANOVA indicatedsignificant differences among the four factor scores. The informal knowledge factor wasshown as the most important for participants followed by the academic knowledge factor,the social skills factor, and the professional skills factor. The results showed nosignificant difference between male and female engineers. This paper contributes to theliterature of engineering education in general and particularly in the Middle East region.
AU - Hoda Baytiyeh
CY - Atlanta, Georgia
DA - 2013/06/23
PB - ASEE Conferences
TI - Impact of Internet Use on the Academic Advancement of Engineering Students
UR - https://peer.asee.org/19699
DO - 10.18260/1-2--19699
ER -