Perceptions of Agricultural University Students toward the Use of ICT in Assam: A Multi-dimensional Analysis
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Authors
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Kunjalata Baro
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Bandita Das
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Shaikhong Basumatary
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Rajib Das
Krishi Vigyan Kendra Khowai, Tripura
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2359-7715
Keywords:
Perception, University students, ICT, Agricultural education, Gender differences, AssamAbstract
The study examined the perceptions of agricultural university students toward the utilisation of ICT in Kamrup district of Assam. A multi-stage random sampling was followed to select 180 students enrolled in B.Sc. and M.Sc. Agriculture programmes at two purposively chosen universities. Data collection was performed by using a self-constructed, validated questionnaire (test-retest reliability r=0.812) structured around five dimensions and each dimension comprised six items rated on a five-point likert scale. Analytical tools included mean, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis, pearson inter-dimensional correlation, eta-squared (η²) and one-way ANOVA. Findings revealed a consistently positive orientation toward ICT across all dimensions (composite M=117.93). Future Prospects and Career Relevance of ICT secured the highest mean (25.00), whereas Institutional Support for ICT recorded the lowest (20.62), indicating infrastructural limitations. ANOVA identified gender as the only significant socio-personal determinant of ICT perception (F=11.01, p=0.001; η²=0.058; Cohen's d=0.49), with female students achieving higher scores (M=121.40) than that of the male students (M=114.68). Significant positive inter-dimensional correlations further confirmed the integrative role of ICT within the agricultural curriculum. The study calls for targeted investment in policy initiatives in ICT infrastructure and promotes gender-responsive digital literacy programmes to improve equitable ICT engagement in agricultural higher education.
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