The Influence Of Internet-Enabled Phone Uses On Secondary School Students’ Academic Achievements In Dodoma City

ABSTRACT

This study assessed how the use of internet-enabled phone influences academic achievement of secondary students in Dodoma City. Specifically, the study aimed at determining the prevalence, analyzing the major use and assessing the influence of internet-enabled phone on academic achievement among secondary school students in Dodoma city. The study used mixed research approach and was conducted through cross-sectional survey design. The data were collected using questionnaire and interview guide, from students, teachers, and parents. Documentary review and Chi-Square test were employed to explore the influences of internet-enabled mobile phone uses on secondary school students` academic achievement in Dodoma City. The study found that majority (61.8%) of secondary school students owned internet enabled phones without their parents‟ knowledge. Students were mostly found using mobile phones for chatting and posting on social media. Only few students admit to be using internet-enabled phones for academic purpose. The study concluded that internet-enabled phones had negative influence on secondary school students‟ academic achievements as shown in [x2 =7.246 (I) p=0.007]. However, the used internet enabled phones could also be of positive contributions to academic achievements of students, if and only if, there is a value-based control system as it was reported in other research findings. The study recommends that government and school administration should find a proper way to integrate the use of internet enabled phones in school setting. Furthermore, the study recommends that parents have to help their children to improve their learning by guiding them on how to use internet-enabled phones in proper ways. vii T