Abstract:
The main aim of this study was to find out how emerging technologies influence
academic achievement of students at the University of Cape Coast. The study employed
ex post facto research design utilizing quantitative approach for data collection. Findings
from the data analyzed showed that emerging technologies are available for use in the
various departments of the University. For instance, mobile phones (93.8%), internet
(88.8%), laptops/desktops (86.8%), projectors (82.1%), electronic books (68.1%),
Tablets (62.2%) and online courses (50.4%) were available and accessible to more than
half of the respondents. It was also found that mobile phones, laptops/desktops,
Intelligent Personal Assistants (IPAs), projectors, e-books, internet, and e-learning lab
equipment were evenly distributed across the departments while the rests were not
evenly distributed as there were statistically significant differences among their
availability across the various departments. In addition, the study found that there is
negative relationship on the extent to which respondents use emerging technologies and
their academic performance. However, the use of the internet recorded a statistically
significant relationship with p-value of 0.040. The study recommends that students must
make a conscious effort to use the emerging technologies available in the university in
order to be successful in their academic pursuits.
