Do students perform better if they are granted a computer via a loan program? The university of Rwanda started a program called Positivo, in which they intended to enhance students’ performances by providing them with laptops. The objective of this paper was to assess the impact of such loan program.
A study was conducted with students who benefitted from this program. In the study 88 participants from different departments were chosen. Self-administered questionnaires were used to obtain primary data to be used in the analysis. The students were asked questions related to their computer use, as well as about the marks they obtained before and after the introduction of the computer loan program. The paired sample t-test and descriptive statistics were implemented to study the difference between the two points in time, in order to discuss the general impact of the introduction of the Positivo laptop computer loan on the learning environment.
Table of Contents
CHAP 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Historical background of the study
1.2. Problem statement
1.3. Objective of the study
1.3.1. General Objective
1.3.1.1. Specific objectives
1.4. Research questions
1.5. Research hypothesis
1.6. Scope of the study
1.7. Significance of the study
CHAPTER. 2. LITERATURE REVIEW AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMWORK
2.0. Introduction
2.1. Basic concept definitions
2.2. Link between computer use and academic performance
2.3. Computer and education
2.4. Significance of the study
2.5 conceptual framework
CHAP.3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1. Presentation
3.2. Research techniques
3.2.1. Documentary technique
3.2.2. Questionnaire technique
3.2.3. Interview technique
3.2.4. Focus group discussion technique
3.3. Methods of data analysis which will be used under this study.
3.3.1. Statistical Method
3.3.2. Analytical methods
3.4. Sampling design
3.5. Sampling procedures
3.6. Selection of sample and sample size calculation
3.7. Analytical method of data analysis
3.7.1. Descriptive Statistics
3.7.2. Inferential Statistics
CHAPTER. 4. PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF FINDINGS
4.1. Descriptive statistics.
4.1.1. Distribution of respondents by age of respondents within department of study and how they recommend government to continue laptop loan program.
4.1.2. Distribution of respondents by of marital status respondents within department of study and how they recommend government to continue laptop loan program.
4.1.3. Distribution of respondents by sex of respondents within department of study and how they recommend government to continue laptop loan program.
4.1.4. Distribution of respondents by residence of respondents within department of study and how they recommend government to continue laptop loan program.
4.1.5. Distribution of respondents by accommodation of respondents within department of study and how they recommend government to continue laptop loan program.
4.1.6. How much time do student spend using laptop based on different purposes.
4.1.7. Students often use laptop while they are attending class
4.1.8. Students computer literacy
4.1.9. Analysis of scale responses
4.2. Inferential analysis
CHAP.5. DISCUSSION OF RESULTS, CONCLUSION AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1. Introduction
5.2. Discussion
5.3. Conclusions
5.4. Policy recommendations
Research Objectives and Focus Areas
The primary goal of this research is to assess the impact of the POSITIVO computer loan program on the academic performance and learning perspectives of second-year students at the University of Rwanda, Huye Campus, College of Business and Economics. The study aims to determine if the provision of these laptops has resulted in a significant improvement in academic grades and to gauge student satisfaction and support for the government initiative.
- Impact of computer access on academic performance and mean exam marks.
- Analysis of student computer usage patterns and time spent for learning purposes.
- Evaluation of the relationship between laptop usage in the classroom and potential multitasking distractions.
- Assessment of student attitudes and their support for the continuation of the laptop loan program.
Excerpt from the Book
2.2. Link between computer use and academic performance
The students’ academic performance (academic achievement) plays an important role in producing the best quality graduates who will become great leaders and manpower for the country. Thus responsible for the country’s economic and social development, Ali et al, 2009. Students’ academic performance measurement has received considerable attention in previous research.
Some e.g., Fitch, 2004; Partee, 1996; Stephens, 2005have found that computers can facilitate faculty-student interactions and in-class participation, thus increasing engagement and active learning. This is often done through preparing and posting discussion questions and using new devices such as response keypads to facilitate student interaction. Driver (2002)found that computers, coupled with web-based activities, enhanced satisfaction with group projects and overall class satisfaction.
Barak, Lipson, & Lerman (2006), demonstrated that computer use in a classroom enhanced active exploratory learning and promoted more meaningful interactions between students and with the instructor in large classes.
Other researchers have found that the use of computers in classes can increase students’ motivation, their ability to apply course based knowledge, and their overall academic achievements (Mackinnon & Vibert, 2002; Siegle & Foster, 2001).When compared to non computer classrooms, students in computer classrooms reported higher participation rates, more interest in learning, and a greater motivation to perform well (Trimmel & Bachmann, 2004).Surveys of current students and alumni frequently show varying but generally positive levels of satisfaction with computer programs (e.g., Finn & Inman, 2004; Mitra & Steffensmeier, 2000). Demb, Erickson, and Hawkins- Wilding (2004), in a survey of current students, found that students felt computers had a positive effect on their study habits and were important to their academic success. (Granberg, E., & Witte, J, 2005), in one of the few studies that looked at non-structured classroom use of computers, even promoted instant messaging as a benefit.
Summary of Chapters
CHAP 1. INTRODUCTION: Provides the historical background of the University of Rwanda and outlines the national initiative to provide student laptop loans to enhance digital literacy and academic outcomes.
CHAPTER. 2. LITERATURE REVIEW AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMWORK: Reviews existing literature on the relationship between ICT tools and academic achievement, establishing a conceptual framework that links technology access to improved student performance and interactive learning environments.
CHAP.3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: Details the research design, including the use of stratified random sampling and quantitative methods like paired sample t-tests to measure the impact of the computer loan program.
CHAPTER. 4. PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF FINDINGS: Presents the statistical data gathered from student respondents, including descriptive statistics on demographics and inferential analysis verifying the improvement in student marks after receiving laptops.
CHAP.5. DISCUSSION OF RESULTS, CONCLUSION AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS: Discusses the findings objective by objective, concludes that the program positively impacted academic performance, and offers recommendations for the Ministry of Education and university staff regarding the management and expansion of the loan initiative.
Keywords
POSITIVO, Academic performance, University student, Technology, Laptop loan, Computer literacy, ICT, Education, Rwanda, Learning environment, Statistical analysis, Research methodology, Student achievement, Digital education, Higher learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The research assesses the impact of the Rwandan government's POSITIVO laptop loan program on the academic performance scores and learning perspectives of students at the University of Rwanda, Huye Campus.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The paper covers the link between computer use and academic achievement, the role of ICT in higher education, student attitudes toward digital tools, and the statistical analysis of grades before and after laptop integration.
What is the primary objective of the study?
The main objective is to determine if there is a significant relationship between computer use and academic performance, specifically testing whether students' average marks changed after receiving laptops through the loan program.
Which scientific methods are utilized in this study?
The study employs a quantitative methodology using stratified random sampling, descriptive statistics, and inferential analysis, specifically a paired sample t-test, to evaluate the difference in academic performance.
What does the main body of the work address?
The main body investigates student background data, analyses survey responses regarding the laptop program, and applies statistical testing to verify if the technology initiative led to measurable improvements in university grades.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Key terms include POSITIVO, academic performance, university student, ICT, laptop loan, student achievement, and statistical analysis.
How were students selected for this study?
The researcher used a stratified random sampling approach with probability proportional to size (PPS) to select 88 students across four departments, ensuring representation from Applied Statistics, Economics, Business Administration, and Accounting Sciences.
What was the key finding regarding student performance?
The study found a statistically significant improvement in academic grades, with a mean increase of approximately 8 marks in the second semester following the introduction of the laptop loan program.
What do students think about the program's continuation?
The data reveals that 92% of the surveyed students support the program and recommend that the government continue to provide these laptop loans to university students.
Does the study identify any negative side effects of laptop use?
Yes, the study mentions concerns regarding "multitasking" in class, such as chatting with friends or watching videos, which can distract students from learning and negatively affect academic concentration.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Emmanuel Ntirandekura (Autor:in), 2017, Can a computer loan have an influence on students' performance?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/453396
