LEVEL OF AWARENESS AND UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION RESOURCES FOR LEARNING ACTIVITIES BY STUDENTS OF COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN KANO STATE

Abstract

The study investigated on Level of awareness and utilization of information resources for learning activities by students of colleges of education in Kano state. These were set to answer two research questions which include Do the students of Colleges of Education in Kano state aware of information resources? and what type of information resources used by student in the study area? The study employed a cross-sectional survey research design, targeting a population of 22,518 students from three Colleges of Education: Federal College of Education Bichi, Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education Kumbotso, and Kano State College of Education, Science and Remedial Studies. A proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to ensure fair representation across the colleges. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.89, indicating a high level of internal consistency. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to summarize and interpret the findings effectively. The study found students exhibit varying levels of awareness and utilization of information resources, with printed textbooks being the most recognized (mean = 3.79) and online journals the least (mean = 1.87). Overall, printed materials are more familiar to students than digital resources, particularly online journals and encyclopaedias and low utilization. The study recommended that Colleges should regularly organize workshops, seminars, and orientation sessions to introduce students to the full range of available information resources, especially digital ones. These programs should focus on how to locate, access, and effectively use both print and electronic materials for academic purposes and among others