ADOPTION AND USE OF SMART DEVICE APPLICATIONS IN ACADEMIC WORK AMONG SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM STUDENTS

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this research was to investigate the adoption and use of smart device applications in academic work among university students. The research objectives were to identify the types of applications students use in academia, to assess the rate of adoption and use of smart device applications among students and to establish the extent to which smart device applications have influenced academic work. The study was guided by both the Uses and Gratifications Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model as well as adopt a descriptive research design. A semi-structure questionnaire and Key Informant Interviews were used to collect primary data from the School of Journalism. The study adopted quota sampling and purposive sampling procedure respectively. A total of 150 students from University of Nairobi filled out questionnaires and 1 member of staff from the school’s undergraduate computer lab was interviewed as a Key Informant. Data was then analysed using Descriptive statistical methods for quantitative data and Content analysis for qualitative data. From the study, majority of 74% do own a smart phone. The total number of hours a week spent on smart phone ranged from 5 - 10 hrs. (37.0%), above 20 hrs. (22.3%), 1 - 5 hrs. (17.1%), and 11 - 20 hrs. (11.8%). The researcher can conclude that the types of applications used in academic work among university students include Instagram and Twitter were the most common followed by Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, Reddit, Tiktok, and Pinterest. The rate of adoption of smart device has been high given that smart phones are available everywhere and easier to find information. Therefore, the study recommends that university students in undergraduate programmes should make use of smart phone to advance their academic pursuits given the easiness, convenience, and accessibility of the academic resources from the gadgets. The study also recommends that the Government through the Ministry of Education should put in place policies effective policies that accommodate smartphones in academic work given their convenience to students.