Utilization Of Internet Facilities By Law Students

(A Case Study Of Imo State University Owerri And Abia State University Faculty Of Legal Studies)

5 Chapters
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59 Pages
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7,431 Words
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Law students today are increasingly harnessing the vast array of internet facilities to augment their legal education and professional development. With the proliferation of online legal resources, including databases, academic journals, and virtual libraries, law students can access a wealth of information instantaneously, enabling them to conduct comprehensive legal research on various topics. Moreover, online platforms offer opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among students and legal professionals through forums, discussion groups, and social media networks. Additionally, the internet serves as a platform for distance learning programs, webinars, and online courses, providing flexibility and convenience for students to enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest legal developments. The utilization of internet facilities by law students not only enriches their educational experience but also equips them with the digital literacy and research skills essential for success in today’s legal landscape, thereby empowering them to navigate the complexities of the legal profession adeptly.

ABSTRACT

This study was set out to know how law students of IMSU and ABSU utilized internet facilities.
The survey method was used for data collection, population of study, instrument for data collection including questionnaires.
The data collected has been presented by the use of distribution table and percentages. The study also revealed into specific aspects like the important of obtaining information in the internet. The nature of business information students seek in the internet, others include the problems students encounter in the use of internet facilities and various ways of solving the problem.
Analysis also revealed hat there law student in IMSU and ABSU make use of internet facilities in order to widen their knowledge horizon in their area of study.
It was recommended that since the internet is one among the commonest and widest uses by students has been dominated by science and technology innovations. Also this study exrays the act that the nature of law courses in the university demand intensive reference work. Where as the utilization of internet facilities in information age to law studies should be considered paramount.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page
Certification
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table of contents

 

CHAPTER ONE
1.1 INTRODUCTION

1.2 Background of the study
1.3 Objective of the study
1.4 Statement of the problem
1.5 Research question
1.6 Hypothesis
1.7 Significant of the study
1.8 Scope of the study
1.9 Limitation of the study
1.10 Operational definition of terms
References

CHAPTER TWO
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 The role of internet use by law students
2.2 The need for information in national development.
2.3 The need for information and type of information sought by students from the internet
Reference

CHAPTER THREE
3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Population of study
3.2 Instrument for data collection
3.3 Procedure for data collection
3.4 Method of data analysis

CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSION

CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Conclusion
5.2 Recommendation
5.3 Areas for further research
Bibliography
Appendix

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 introduction
internet is a network of computers that enhance a global communication of people through shared telephone lines and other protocols.
In other words, it enables companies, organization, individuals, schools and governments to share information across the world.
The World Wide Web, is one of the services of the internet, which enables users to exchange texts, graphics, picture and even sounds.
The internet is a global network made up of many smaller network that enables computer user to share information and resources quickly and easily.
Internet is a connection of millions of computers around the globe such that a user of one of the global village can connect another user in another part of global village.
Internet is a world wide networks of computer and people, built upon state of the art technology, the internet makes it possible for thousands of dissimilar physical network that are not connected to one another and use diverse hardware technologies to connect and operate as single communicate system.
Internet is the world infrastructure that like local area network(LAN) and individual computer to another. Every single machine and every single networks on the internet protocol (IP) number that can be used to locate it.
In the essence, internet is fast growing and more domains are recorded on daily basis. One can hardly say exactly what the future of the internet will look like. Infact every thing written about the technology’s future is deemed too be inaccurate because what was said about 20 years age, may not be applicable in this present time.
In summary, the internet has unlimited promises of uses in the future in its effects on every endeavour of life especially in the academic system. it is feared in the internet will mean less books on the shelves and more data on the electronic media.
It will also mean less work in the technical and circulation departments of the library.
With the use of internet, people now send and receail electronic nails(e mails) post and receive documents, communicate with other people who share similar interest.

1.2 Background of the study
The internet which began in the late 1960s with ARPANET an experimental wide are network created by the U.S department of defence.
In the mid and late 1980s, it began a period of explosive growth as first government agencies, then academic institution and private research labs and finally co-operaiton and individual began to inter connect their computer in a network that has come to span the globe.
However, although the physical infrastructure for exchanging information existed, the higher level of organization needed it link related pieces of information across the vast network lagged behind.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF IMO STATE UNIVERSITY LAW LIBRARY
When Abia state was created out of Imo state in 1991, the physical facilities of Imo state university then at Uturu were coded to Abia state as the land on which the campus was built was adjusted belong to the Uturu community in Isuikwuato L.G.A of Abia state.
Consequently, Imo State University was relocate at Owerri in 1992 and so was the college of legal studies and its law library.
Within the IMSU library system there is a law library for the college of legal studies. The law library is on a completely, separate building and quite distinct from the university library and other departmental libraries of the University. It has more than two million (2 million) volumes of books and about (100) computers that are used for research, for storing and retrieval of information in the departments.
The law library is organized with library of congress classification scheme in classifying its law materials.
Presently, the library has 7 library staffs 3 professional, 3 assistance library staff and 1 adjunct law libraries and has 25 million volumes and the library also has 5 computer operators that direct students on how to make effective use of the internet facilities.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF ABIA STATE UNIVERSITY UTURU.
The university was opened in 1981 at the Abia campus and law was one of the curses offered then. Law and business studies were located in Abia when the university started. By 1987, the present campus at uturu was opened and all the scattered disciplines were re-located and since then the institution has only one main library. It was the pressure for a separate law library, that the present library was established and opened in 1998.
The law library is housed within the same building with the college of legal studies of the institution.
When the law library was opened, the strength of its collection amounted to only 818 volume of legal collection an 80 computers for reference purposes.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The broad objective is to find out reasons why law students of IMSU and ABSU make use of the internet facilities. And also to find out if the internet facilities they use provide access to the latest resources.
1. To find out the disadvantages of internet facilities.
2. To find out the advantage of internet facilities.
3. To find out how often law students utilized the internet facilities
4. To find out, if the internet facilities has contributed positively or negatively in their achievement.

1.4 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS
In recent times, the law level of utilization of internet facilities by law students as the source of material for academic research for the above institutions.
Law students utilizes the internet facilities to seek information, they spent most of their times in surveying for facts by paying more money because, they find it a bit difficult to browse on different websites, page goggle, yohoo etc.
While most of the law students are not computer literate, time factor is one of their major problem.
This research project is designed to help law students of IMSU and ABSU to source information that are relevant to them with internet facilities.

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Utilization Of Internet Facilities By Law Students:

Law students, like students in many other fields, can benefit significantly from the utilization of internet facilities. The internet provides a vast array of resources and tools that can aid in legal education, research, and professional development. Here are some ways in which law students can make effective use of internet facilities:

  1. Legal Research: The internet offers access to a wealth of legal databases and resources. Law students can use platforms like Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Google Scholar to search for cases, statutes, regulations, and legal articles relevant to their studies. These online resources often provide advanced search capabilities and access to a vast library of legal documents.
  2. Online Legal Libraries: Many universities and law schools provide access to online libraries and catalogs, allowing students to access e-books, journals, and research papers. This can be especially valuable for students who prefer digital resources or who may not have physical access to a comprehensive law library.
  3. Collaboration and Communication: Law students can use the internet for collaboration with peers and professors. Platforms like Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, and Slack can facilitate group discussions, document sharing, and project collaboration.
  4. Legal Blogs and Forums: There are numerous legal blogs, forums, and discussion boards where students can engage with legal professionals and scholars. These platforms provide opportunities for asking questions, seeking advice, and staying updated on current legal issues.
  5. Online Courses and Webinars: The internet offers a wide range of online courses and webinars on various legal topics. Students can enhance their legal knowledge and skills by enrolling in courses offered by reputable institutions or organizations.
  6. Legal Research Tools: Law students can use online legal research tools such as legal research software and citation management tools to streamline their research process, organize sources, and ensure proper citation in their academic work.
  7. Case Briefing and Note-taking: Digital tools and apps can assist in case briefing and note-taking. Students can use note-taking apps, such as Evernote or OneNote, to organize their thoughts and annotations while studying cases.
  8. Legal Writing and Document Preparation: Online word processing tools like Google Docs or Microsoft Word Online enable collaborative document preparation and editing. Law students can also access templates for legal documents and writing guides online.
  9. Career Development: Law students can use the internet to search for job openings, internships, and networking opportunities. Professional networking sites like LinkedIn are valuable for connecting with legal professionals and building a professional online presence.
  10. Legal News and Updates: Staying informed about current legal developments is crucial for law students. Access to legal news websites, newsletters, and social media accounts of legal experts can help students stay up-to-date.
  11. Online Legal Communities: Participating in online legal communities and social media groups can provide students with insights into the legal profession, as well as opportunities to discuss legal issues and share experiences with others in the field.
  12. Practice Exams and Study Aids: Online platforms often offer practice exams, study aids, and sample questions that can assist students in preparing for exams and assessments.

While the internet provides numerous benefits for law students, it’s essential to use online resources responsibly and ensure the credibility of sources. Additionally, students should be aware of the potential distractions the internet can bring and manage their online time effectively to balance academic work and personal well-being.