ICT and Challenges of Agricultural Extension Education

Abstract

After the novel coronavirus outbreak, many countries closed universities.  This situation urges to implement online delivery as an alternative method. This study aimed assessing the access to and use of ICT by students, the ICT competencies possessed by the students, and assesses the current level of students’ readiness for online education methods. Sample of 106 undergraduate students were selected. Semi-structured survey questionnaire was used for data collection. The findings revealed that most of the students have very limited access to and use of different types of ICTs. Mobile phones are the most popular ICT tool used by students. Poor ICT using competencies is another problem observed. ICT experts in the field of online education need to plan smartphone-based technologies, and it is recommended to offer zero-rated access to specific educational websites, and offer free or discounted mobile Internet packages to all students who need it to switch to online classes.

Keywords: Online education; Coronavirus; Students; University; Mobile phones; ICT

DOI: 10.7176/JIEA/10-4-04

Publication date:September 30^th 2020