The skills of the learners in using smartphones to access information resources: a comparative study in Beirut Arab University between the Faculty of medicine & the Faculty of Arts

Abstract

This study aimed at surveying and exploring the readiness of first year university students in the Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Medicine, and their ability to use smartphones to access information resources.
In order to achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher used the descriptive survey approach to determine students’ behavior to access information through smartphones. In addition to the comparative approach, to investigating similarities and differences of mobile information-seeking behaviors among the chosen students. For that, 161 copies of an open-ended questionnaire were distributed and retrieved directly.
The results revealed that most of students have used Samsung smartphones, and Samsung tablets than other companies. In addition, there were statistically significant differences between the students of the faculty of Arts, and the students of the faculty of Medicine; where Medicine students had more diversity of their technology choices than the students of the Faculty of Arts.

In conclusion, the study suggested a set of recommendations that will foster the ease of access to information in the smartphone environment.