Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
In the current changing higher education environment research students need to possess ample skills related to use of computer and different ICTs for education and research purposes. This study aims to investigate the awareness, usage and impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for information, education and research purposes among the Botany, Zoology and Biotechnology research students of Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan. For this purpose, data was collected from students involved in research, in order to get information and awareness about their competencies and skills in ICT and other searching and data analyzing tools. The literature review shows that most research students have inadequate knowledge about many basic techniques of MS Office (Excel, Word etc), which are more essential and useful for composing their theses. Majority of research students are not aware about using Endnote for preparing bibliographies and organizing citation and SPSS for data analyzing. They have also inadequate knowledge about HEC digital library. The study based upon information collected through a questionnaire containing both open and one close ended question. The collected data analyzed through SPSS 19. The study will endeavor to discover the problems faced by the respondents in accessing information communication technologies and online searching techniques. Recommendations would be included for maximum utilization of ICT by research students for education and research purposes and improving searching skills and to eradicate their problems in accessing e-resources and online searching.