Usage of Computer and Internet among Undergraduates: Knowledge, Awareness, and Concentration on Privacy and Security Management and Internet among Undergraduates: Knowledge, Awareness, and Concentration on Privacy and Security Management.

Abstract

Today, in twenty first century information technology plays a vital role of every aspect of human life, especially in process of education. Significantly, the usage of computer and Internet is expanding among undergraduates. The aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge, awareness and concentration on privacy and security management of computer and Internet usage among undergraduates. 420 undergraduates from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura were selected randomly for the survey. A web and paper based questionnaire was used to collect data. Summary measures and data presenting tools were used under descriptive analysis. Usage knowledge of computer and Internet is consisted two components as the computer literacy and the digital literacy. Composite indices were constructed to measure the computer literacy, digital literacy, awareness, and concentration on privacy and security management which were monitored through Likert scale statements. Cronbach‘s alpha, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy tests and the Bartlett's test of sphericity were used to diagnose the feasibility of the data reduction. With respect to the composite indices, the level of computer literacy among undergraduates is 83.83% and it is a good sign. The level of digital literacy among undergraduates is 61.23% but is not much higher as computer literacy. There is lack of security awareness among undergraduates since the average level is 51.23%. The level of security management among undergraduates is 68.81% while the level of privacy concentration among undergraduates is 69.62%. As the results of one sample t-tests, except security awareness, other indices are over the level of 60% significantly. Therefore, the levels of computer literacy, digital literacy, security management and privacy concentration are in higher level among the undergraduates. However, the awareness about security should be empowered among undergraduates. Also, it is important to improve the digital literacy among undergraduates. Therefore, seminars and workshops should be organized to emphasis knowledge so that the individuals will learn to use computer and Internet properly.