Facilitating Conditions, Self-Efficacy, and Anxiety as Predictors of Electronic Information Resource Utilisation among Undergraduate Students in Vocational and Technical Education

Abstract

This study examined facilitating conditions, self-efficacy, and anxiety as predictors of electronic information resource (EIR) utilisation among undergraduate students in Technical and Vocational Education at a university in North-Central Nigeria. A predictive correlational research design was adopted. The study population comprised 192 undergraduates, of whom 177 participated through stratified and convenience sampling techniques. Data were collected using the Questionnaire on Facilitating Conditions, Self-Efficacy, and Anxiety in Electronic Information Resource Utilisation (QFC-SEAEIRU). The instrument was validated by experts in Technical and Vocational Education and Library and Information Science. Reliability testing using Cronbach’s alpha yielded coefficients of 0.79, 0.83, 0.85, and 0.71 for the respective subscales. Four hypotheses were tested at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that EIR utilisation had a positive and significant relationship with facilitating conditions and self-efficacy, but a negative and significant relationship with anxiety. Furthermore, facilitating conditions, self-efficacy, and anxiety jointly made a significant contribution to predicting EIR utilisation. The study concludes that adequate institutional support and students’ confidence in their technological abilities enhance EIR utilisation, whereas anxiety serves as a significant barrier. It is recommended that university management strengthen ICT infrastructure, improve internet bandwidth, and create a supportive learning environment to promote effective utilisation of electronic information resources