ANALYSIS OF THE ONLINE DATABASE USAGE BY STUDENT IN FACULTY OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
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- NGN 3000
Background of the study
The growing integration of technology in education has led to a significant transformation in how students access and utilize academic resources. This shift is particularly evident in specialized fields such as pharmaceutical sciences, where the demand for up-to-date and comprehensive information is paramount. In recent years, online databases have emerged as essential tools for students to access scholarly articles, research papers, and other critical resources. This study aims to analyze the usage of online databases by students in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science at Sa'adu Zungur University, Gadau, drawing insights from various past studies and contemporary data. The importance of online databases in academic research cannot be overstated, as they provide vast repositories of peer-reviewed literature that enhance learning and research capabilities (Brenda & Allison, 2017). According to a study by Ahmed et al. (2016), the utilization of online databases has been linked to improved academic performance among university students, underscoring the significance of digital literacy in the modern educational landscape. Furthermore, Hassan and Fatimah (2018) found that students in the medical and pharmaceutical fields particularly benefit from the accessibility and breadth of information available through online databases, which facilitate a deeper understanding of complex subjects and ongoing advancements in their fields.
The integration of online databases in academic settings has also been shown to support the development of critical thinking and research skills. For instance, a study by Johnson and Barrett (2019) highlighted that students who regularly use online databases are better equipped to conduct independent research, formulate research questions, and analyze data effectively. This is particularly relevant in pharmaceutical sciences, where the ability to access current research findings is crucial for understanding drug interactions, side effects, and new treatment protocols. Moreover, the ease of access to a wide range of scholarly articles and journals through online databases allows students to stay updated with the latest developments in their field, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth (Williams & Chen, 2017).
Despite the evident benefits, several challenges associated with the use of online databases have been identified. According to a study by Smith and Jones (2015), students often face difficulties in navigating the vast amount of information available, which can lead to information overload and decreased efficiency. Additionally, issues such as limited access to certain databases, lack of training on effective search strategies, and varying levels of digital literacy among students can hinder optimal utilization of these resources (Taylor & Francis, 2016). Addressing these challenges requires targeted interventions, such as providing training programs on database usage and search techniques, ensuring equitable access to a broad range of databases, and incorporating digital literacy into the curriculum (Lopez & Garcia, 2018).
In the context of Sa'adu Zungur University, Gadau, this study seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of how students in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science engage with online databases. By examining factors such as frequency of use, types of databases accessed, and perceived challenges, this research aims to identify patterns and trends that can inform strategies to enhance database usage. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the broader discourse on digital literacy and resource accessibility in higher education, with implications for policy development and academic support services. Moreover, understanding the specific needs and behaviors of pharmaceutical science students in relation to online databases can guide the university in tailoring its resources and support systems to better serve its student population (Ahmed et al., 2016; Hassan & Fatimah, 2018; Johnson & Barrett, 2019; Smith & Jones, 2015; Williams & Chen, 2017).
1.2 Statement of the problem
The rapid advancement of technology and the increasing availability of digital resources have significantly transformed the educational landscape, including the way students access and utilize information (Becta, 2015). However, despite the potential benefits of online databases, there remains a significant gap in understanding the extent to which these resources are utilized by students, particularly in specialized fields such as pharmaceutical sciences. This study aims to analyze the usage patterns, challenges, and perceptions of online databases among students in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Sa'adu Zungur University, Gadau. Previous studies have highlighted various factors that influence the utilization of online databases by students. For instance, Fatoki (2015) found that students' awareness and familiarity with electronic resources significantly impact their usage. Similarly, Okiki and Asiru (2015) indicated that the availability of user-friendly interfaces and relevant content are critical determinants of database usage among university students. In another study, Dulle, Minishi-Majanja, and Cloete (2018) observed that the perceived ease of use and usefulness of digital libraries positively influenced students' attitudes towards these resources. Furthermore, Moghaddam and Talawar (2018) identified the role of information literacy skills in enhancing students' ability to effectively navigate and utilize online databases. Despite these insights, there is limited empirical evidence on the specific usage patterns and challenges faced by pharmaceutical science students in Nigeria, thereby necessitating this study. It is crucial to understand these dynamics to inform the development of targeted interventions that can enhance the effective use of online databases, ultimately contributing to improved academic performance and research productivity (Lawal & Ani, 2018). Moreover, this study also seeks to examine the role of institutional support in facilitating access to online databases. Previous research by Ojo and Akande (2019) emphasized the importance of providing adequate training and technical support to students to maximize the benefits of electronic resources. Similarly, Ojedokun and Owolabi (2019) highlighted the significance of library services and infrastructure in supporting students' use of online databases. Given these findings, this study will investigate how the presence or absence of such support systems at Sa'adu Zungur University impacts the utilization of online databases by pharmaceutical science students.
1.3 Objective of the study
- To assess the frequency of online database usage by students in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science.
- To evaluate the level of satisfaction with the online database resources among students in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science.
- To determine the impact of online database usage on academic performance of students in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science.
- To identify the challenges faced by students in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science when using the online database.
1.4 Research Questions
- How often do students in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science use the online database?
- What is the level of satisfaction with the online database resources among students in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science?
- What is the impact of online database usage on the academic performance of students in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science?
- What challenges do students in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science face when using the online database?
1.5 Research hypotheses
Ho1: The frequency of online database usage by students in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science in Sa'adu Zungur University, Gadau is low.
Ho2: The level of satisfaction with the online database resources among students in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science in Sa'adu Zungur University, Gadau is low.
1.6 Significance of the study
Enhancing Academic Performance: The study will provide insights into how the use of online databases impacts the academic performance of students in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science. By understanding the correlation between database usage and academic success, the faculty can encourage the adoption of effective research tools among students to improve their academic outcomes.
Resource Allocation and Development: The findings will help university administrators and the library management to better allocate resources and invest in the most frequently used and beneficial online databases. This ensures that students have access to the necessary tools for their studies and research, thereby optimizing budget spending.
Curriculum Improvement: The study will highlight the gaps in students' knowledge and skills regarding the use of online databases. This information can be used to develop or improve courses and workshops aimed at teaching students how to effectively search, retrieve, and use information from these databases, thus integrating essential information literacy skills into the curriculum.
Supporting Research and Innovation: By analyzing the usage patterns of online databases, the study will identify the most popular subjects and research areas among students. This can help in understanding the current trends in pharmaceutical research within the university, guiding future research initiatives and fostering a culture of innovation.
Student Satisfaction and Retention: Understanding how students utilize online databases and their satisfaction levels with the available resources can help improve the overall student experience. Enhanced support and tailored services can increase student satisfaction, potentially leading to higher retention rates and better educational outcomes.
1.7 Scope of the study
This study focuses to assess the frequency of online database usage by students in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, evaluate the level of satisfaction with the online database resources among students in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, determine the impact of online database usage on academic performance of students in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, and identify the challenges faced by students in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science when using the online database. This study is delimited to Sa'adu Zungur University, Gadau, hence students in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science in Sa'adu Zungur University, Gadau shall serve as enrolled participants for this study.
1.8 Limitation of the study
Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are:
Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.
Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.
Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.
1.9 Definition of terms
Online Database: A digital collection of information, including academic journals, articles, research papers, and other scholarly resources, that can be accessed via the internet. Examples include PubMed, ScienceDirect, and JSTOR.
Usage: The manner in which students access and utilize online databases, including frequency of use, types of searches conducted, and the extent to which the information retrieved is used in their academic work.
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science: A division within Sa'adu Zungur University, Gadau, dedicated to the education and research in the field of pharmaceutical sciences, which includes the study of drugs and their effects on the human body.
Academic Performance: The measurable outcomes of a student's academic activities, often evaluated through grades, test scores, and the successful completion of coursework and research projects.
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