Internet Use in the Developing World: A Case Study of an African University

The internet has become an indispensable tool in the twenty first century. However, the development may be slowed by a lack of appropriate facilities in less developed nations. A study of existing facilities in Burkina Faso was undertaken to answer five questions on the participants' perspectives on internet usage: (a) how do the participants perceive internet utilisation; (b) what factors encourage the use of the internet; (c) what factors discourage internet usage; (d) is the internet a tool for enhancing learning and (e) how can improved management of available technology lead to greater internet usage in the Humanities Faculty at Ouagadougou University? Participants were selected because of their interest and involvement with technology, their computer knowledge and their prior experience with the internet. The current status of internet knowledge and utilisation were examined and factors that influenced internet usage were considered. Six recommendations for improved practice at the post-secondary level were discussed. (Contains 1 footnote.)