WELCOME TO KENTERPRO:
IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT IN FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, PANKSHIN

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page                                                                                                                    i

Declaration                                                                                                                  ii

Approval Page                                                                                                            iii

Dedication                                                                                                                  iv

Acknowledgement                                                                                                      v

Table of Contents                                                                                                       vi

Abstract                                                                                                                      ix

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study 1
• Statement of the Problem
• Purpose of the Study
• Research Questions
• Research Hypothesis
• Scope of the Study
• Significance of the Study
• Operational Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1       The Concept of Social Media

2.2       The concept Hearing Impairment

2.3       Students Addictiveness to Social Media

2.4       Students Exposure to Social Media

2.5       Influence of Social Media Network on Students’ Academic Performance

2.6       Usage of Social Media and Students’ Academic Performance

2.7         Strategies to Promote the Balance of the Use of Social Media and the Academic Performance of Students

2.8       Summary of Review of Related Literature

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1       Research Design

3.2       Population and Sample of the Study

3.3       Sampling Technique  

3.4       Instrument for Data Collection

3.5       Validity and Reliability of the Instrument

3.6       Procedure for Data Collection  

3.7       Method for Data Analysis

CHAPTER FOUR

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1       Presentation of Bio-Data

4.2       Analysis of Research Questions

4.3       Hypothesis Testing

4.4       Discussion of Findings

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1       Summary of Findings

5.2       Conclusion

5.3       Recommendations

5.4       Suggestion for Further Study

REFERENCES

APPENDICES

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the impact of social media on academic performance of students with hearing impairment in Federal College of Education, Pankshin. The research adopted a descriptive survey design. The targeted population used in the study was 57 NCE students with hearing impairment. The sample size for the study was 30 students in NCE with hearing impairment selected using purposive sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was a self-made questionnaire. The data collected were analysed using percentage and simple mean statistical tool and the hypothesis was tested by chi-square of 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that many students with hearing impairment struggled to limit their social media usage, often spending excessive amounts of time online. They frequently prioritize virtual social interactions over real-life social interactions due to their addiction to social media and so on. The finding also revealed that social media platforms provided students with hearing impairment opportunities for social inclusion and interaction with their peers, leading to enhanced social skills. It provided them a platform to showcase their skills, creativity, and projects, fostering their confidence and self-expression and also facilitate collaboration and information sharing among students, enabling them to engage in virtual group discussions and academic projects. The finding finally revealed that there is a significant relationship between social media and the academic performance of students with hearing impairment. The study recommended that educational institutions should educate students with hearing impairment about the potential consequences of excessive social media use on academic performance. They should also provide guidance on effective time management and the importance of setting boundaries to maintain a healthy balance between social media engagement and academic responsibilities.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study

The world is today celebrating the improvements in communication technology which has broadened the scope of communication through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Modern Technology in communication no doubt has turned the entire world into a “Global village”. But as it is, technology like two sides of a coin, bring with it both negative and positive sides. It helps people to be better informed, enlightened, and keeping abreast with world developments. Technology exposes mankind to a better way of doing things. Social networking sites include: Twitter, Yahoo Messenger, Facebook Messenger, Blackberry Messenger (BBM), Whats app messenger, 2go messenger, Skype, Google talk, Google Messenger, iPhone and Androids. These networking sites are used by most people to interact with old and new friends, physical or internet friends (Asemah and Edegoh, 2012). The world has been changed rapidly by the evolution of technology; this has resulted into the use of technology as the best medium to explore the wide area of knowledge.

The evolution of internet technology has led to its use as the best medium for communication. Whereby, two-third of the world’s internet population visits social networking or blogging sites, thus serving as a communication and connection tool. Social networking sites (SNSs) are online Communities of Internet users who want to communicate with other users about areas of mutual interest, whether from a personal, business or academic perspective (William ,Boyd, Densten, Chin, Diamond & Morgenthaler 2009). The millions of social networking sites have transformed the thought of global village into a reality whereby billions of people communicate through social networking sites. Numerous benefits have been obtained through distant communication through the use of social networking sites.

Academic excellence or achievement plays an important role in an individual placement, be it in the academic institutions or job placement. Due to this, many people are concerned with the ways they can enhance their academic achievement. The emphasis on academic excellence which is also prevalent worldwide has encouraged many studies about the conditions promoting it. The role of academic achievement as one of the predictors of one’s life success and also in the aspect of academic placement in schools to higher institutions as well as the level of employability in one’s career is inevitable (Kyoshaba, 2009). Academic performance, which is measured by the examination results, is one of the major goals of a school. Hoyle (1986) argued that schools are established with the aim of imparting knowledge and skills to those who go through them and behind all this is the idea of enhancing good academic performance. Academic performance or achievement is the outcome of education, the extent to which a student, teacher or institution has achieved their educational goals. Academic performance is commonly measured by examinations or continuous assessment but there is no general agreement on how it is best tested or which aspects are most important, procedural knowledge such as skills or declarative knowledge such as facts (Annie, Howard & Mildred, 1996)

Hearing impairment is an umbrella term which covers both hearing impaired and hard of hearing. A hearing impaired person is one whose sense of hearing is not useful with the aid of prosthesis such as hearing aid. Impairment in hearing occur in either or both, areas and many exist in only one or in both ears. Generally, only children whose hearing loss is greater than 90 decibels (db) are considered deaf and those with 30 decibels are of hard of hearing (Aramide & Bolarinwa, 2010). Babalola (2004) spelt out the symptoms notice when one is having hearing loss as; turning head to the source of sound, corking the ear, excessive concentration on vision, constant request for repetition of speech, confuse about directions and inability to respond when sound is from the ear. As a result of these symptoms, they cannot hear at normal levels. They cannot easily understand what is being said to them in every situation and therefore cannot always respond with confidence.

A direct relationship exists between Social media usage and the academic performance of students in universities. However the darker side within technological evolution has resulted in dilemmas such as the setback of real values of life especially among students who form the majority of users interacting through the use of social networking sites. Online social networking sites focus on building and reflecting social associations among people who share interests and or activities. With so many social networking sites displayed on the internet, students are tempted to abandon their homework and reading times in preference for chatting online with friends. Many students are now addicted to the online rave of the moment, with Facebook, Twitter etc.

Today most youths and students possess Facebook accounts. The reason most of them perform badly in school might not be far- fetched. While many minds might be quick to blame the poor quality of teachers, they might have to think even harder, if they have not heard of the Facebook frenzy (Oche & Aminu .2010). Olubiyi (2012) noted that these days’ students are so engrossed in the social media that they are almost 24 hours online. Even in classrooms and lecture theatres, it has been observed that some students are always busy pinging, Facebooking, while lectures are on. Times that ought to be channeled towards learning, academic research and innovating have been crushed by the passion for meeting new friends online, and most times busy discussing trivial issues. Hence most students’ academics suffer setback as a result of distraction from the social media. In (Obi, Bulus, Adamu & Sala’at 2012), it was observed that the use of these sites also affects students’ use of English and grammar. The students are used to short forms of writing words in their chat rooms; they forget and use the same in the classrooms. They use things like 4 in place of for, U in place of You, D in place of The etc. and this could affect their class assessment.

Social networking sites although has been recognized as an important resource for education today, studies however shows that students use social networking sites such as Facebook for fun, to kill time, to meet existing friends or to make new ones (Ellison, Steinfield, and Lampe 2007). Although it has been put forward that students spends much time on participating in social networking activities, with many students blaming the various social networking sites for their steady decrease in grade point averages (Kimberly, Jeong and Lee, 2009), it also shows that only few students are aware of the academic and professional networking opportunities the sites offered. The widespread use of social media platforms has significantly transformed communication and interaction patterns among individuals, including students. Social media platforms provide opportunities for information sharing, collaboration, and connectivity, making them an integral part of the daily lives of many students. However, the excessive use of social media has been associated with various negative consequences, particularly in relation to academic performance. While previous research has explored the relationship between social media use and academic performance among the general student population, there is a lack of empirical investigation focusing specifically on students with hearing impairment. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationship between social media use and academic performance among students with hearing impairment in Federal College of Education, Pankshin.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

The increasing use of social media among students with hearing impairment has raised concerns about its impact on their academic performance. Despite the growing popularity and widespread usage of social media platforms, there is a lack of empirical research examining its impact on the academic performance of students with hearing impairment, particularly in the context of a tertiary educational institution like Federal College of Education, Pankshin.

The deaf and hard-of-hearing students face unique challenges in their academic journey due to their hearing impairment. They heavily rely on visual communication methods and assistive technologies to access educational materials and participate in classroom activities. However, the prevalence and accessibility of social media platforms among these students raise concerns about potential distractions and negative impacts on their academic performance. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the impact of social media on the academic performance of students with hearing impairment in Federal College of Education, Pankshin.

1.3       Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of social media on academic performance of students with hearing impairment in Federal College of Education, Pankshin. The specific objectives of the study are:

1. To examine the level of addictiveness to social media of students with hearing impairment in Federal College of Education, Pankshin
2. To ascertain how social media has influence the academic performance of the students in students with hearing impairment in Federal College of Education, Pankshin.
3. To proffer strategies to promote a healthy balance between social media use and academic performance of students with hearing impairment in Federal College of Education?

1.4       Research Questions

The following research questions were raised:

1. To what extent are students with hearing impairment in Federal College of Education addicted to social media?
2. What is the influence of social media on the academic performance of students with hearing impairment in Federal College of Education, Pankshin?
3. What are the strategies to promote a healthy balance between social media use and the academic performance of students with hearing impairment in Federal College of Education?

1.5       Research Hypothesis

Ho: There is no significant relationship between Social media and the academic performance of students with hearing impairment

1.6       Scope of the Study

The focus of this research work is to primarily study the Influence of social media on the academic performance of students with hearing impairment. The study comprised of NCE students with hearing impairment alone in Federal College of Education, Pankshin. The study excluded all the students with hearing impairment for undergraduate programme and students with other special needs within the Department of Special Education.

1.7       Significance of the Study

This study on the impact of social media use and academic performance among students with hearing impairment in Federal College of Education, Pankshin is significant to the teachers, parents, students; researcher and college management

This study will help the lecturers of the college to know the influence that social media has on their students, so as to assist them to enlighten and create awareness to the students with hearing impairment on the possible influence it has on them.

The study will be of significant to parents in the sense that they will know the possible effects of social media usage on their children, so as to serve as watch-dog to them on the usage of the social networking sites.

The study will enable the students with hearing impairment so that they will be aware that, apart from the social benefits of this social networking site, using the sites more than necessary will pose possible dangers to their studies.

The study will help researchers with more information on the Influence of social media on student’s academic performance.

The study will provide valuable insights into how students with hearing impairment utilize social media platforms and the impact it has on their academic performance. Understanding their social media habits will help the college management develop targeted strategies to support these students effectively.

1.8       Definitions of Operational Terms

Media: Are all those media technologies that are intended to reach a large audience by mass communication. “They are messages communicated through a mass medium to a number of people.

Academic performance: This refers to the level of success or accomplishment attained in an educational setting, typically measured by grades, test scores, or other indicators of learning and performance

Social Media: They are forms of electronic communication which facilitate interactive base on certain interests. Social media include web and mobile technology

Students with hearing Impairment: Are those whose hearing is non-functional for the ordinary purpose of life with or without amplification.

Impact: This refers to the influence of effect social media has on the academic performance of students with hearing impairment