Use of Electronic Resources by Postgraduate Students during Covid-19 Pandemic: Case of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, In Kenya

Abstract

The continuous evolution of telecommunications, electronics and computer sciences has culminated into the inception of virtual worlds.The purpose of this research paper is to determine the opportunities and challenges facing postgraduate students as they utilize e-resources during COVID-19 pandemic at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. Desk top research through review of different studies was done and an online survey conducted using Google forms; this methodology was adopted to elicit the required information. A sample of 18 postgraduate students at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology were selected from sampled schools. The findings show thatelectronic resources provide benefits for learning that are impossible physically, virtual libraries are accessible at one’s convenience and everywhere as long there is reliable network connectivity. A great deal of challenges is encountered in the successful execution of electronic resources by institutions of higher learning in strengthening postgraduate learning needs. Electronic resources are now at the heart of Universities especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and are therefore required to play a crucial role in the learning undertakings and most importantly in supporting e-learning. The practical indications of this research paper are to emphasize the adaptation of e-resources technologies and collaboration among different academic Faculties and Departments in providing instruction to the postgraduate students.