Self Concept and Motivation Variables as Correlates of Acquisition of ICT Competence among Social Studies Students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the level of ICT competence among Social Studies undergraduates of Obafemi AwolowoUniversity, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. It also investigated the influence of motivation variables as well as the influence of selfconcept on the acquisition of ICT competence. This was with a view to improving ICT competence in higherinstitutions of learning. The study employed survey research design. The population consisted of all Social Studiesstudents of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Purposive sampling technique was employed in selectingone hundred Social Studies undergraduates. Three research questions emanated from the study. Three instrumentstitled: “Motivational Use Scale” (MUS), ‘Self-Concept Scale’ (SCS) and “ICT Competence Scale” (ICTCS) weredeveloped and used for the study. Data were analysed using simple percentages and chi-square statistics. The resultsamong others, showed that data analysis, microsoft publishing and photoshop had the lowest competence level of36%, 32% and 29% respectively. Also, self concept had a very strong influence on the acquisition of wordprocessing knowledge with significant value of 0.027. It was recommended that students need to be encouraged inthe use of ICT tools.