EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF INTERNET USAGE AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS: EVIDENCE FROM PAKISTAN

Problem Statement:
Internet is a useful tool in a technologically advanced world. Internet use for education is very important; in this research we evaluate the usage of Internet in Universities students as advanced technology, and its impacts on students’ academic performance.

Purpose of Study:
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between Internet usage and university students’ performance. It further identify the attitude of students towards information technology, and also evaluate that whether the use of Internet improve the academic performance of the students or not. Advancement in technology brings major impacts on education (Underwood 2003).

Methodology:
Data is collected through 10 closed ended questions with a sample size of 143 students. In this study the academic performance of student is dependent variable and usage of Internet is independent variable. We use descriptive analysis & linear regression model to check whether the Internet usage affects the students’ performance positively or the other way around.

Findings and results:
Results of the research showed that the Internet is an essential knowledge tool for students, they use the Internet primarily for educational and research purposes and get benefited and also playing a positive role and participation in society. Respondents also expressed great confidence and satisfaction in using Internet for educational purposes.

Recommendations:
It is recommended that basic Internet tools may be introduced to students in their early stages of education. Universities should provide better infrastructure and organise courses that build up internal capacity of students, which enhance the efficiency and effectiveness for Internet Usage.