Social Media Affinity as a Predictor of Online Learning Attitudes and Academic Achievement among Computer and Mathematics Undergraduates in Lagos State

Abstract

Engagement with social media is prevalent among undergraduates, presenting both positive and negative implications on academic performance. A lot of students, however, use the applications on a regular basis without caution. This study investigated the influence of social media affinity on computer and mathematics students’ attitude to online learning in Lagos State tertiary institutions. A survey research design was adapted to purposively sample four hundred and thirty three (433) students from six (6) public tertiary institutions in Lagos State. The data collection instrument is a questionnaire validated by two experts: a Computer Education expert and a Measurement and Evaluation professional. This resulted in the modification of some items and outright deletion of two others. The reliability of the instrument was established through a pilot study (n = 30) with Cronbach alpha analysis yielding an acceptable 0.70 internal consistency. Data was collected from Computer and Mathematics students across 200, 300 and 400 levels with the aid of Google form as an online instrument. Data were analysed using frequency, mean, standard deviation and Pearson product-moment correlation. The findings of the study revealed that tertiary institution students predominantly use social media for entertainment purposes. Female undergraduates were observed to spend more time than males on social media. A significant difference was observed in social media usage based on gender. Social media affinity significantly predicted students’ attitude to online learning. It was therefore recommended that tertiary institutions in Lagos State should guide undergraduates on the risks of excessive use of social media but encourage to harness their academic benefits.