A Study of Internet Usage Differences between Arab and Non-Arab Students: A Case of UUM Postgraduate Students

Abstract

The Internet usage among postgraduate students is different in many ways that finally contributes to the overall performances. The objective of this study meant to explore which intends to point out whether there is any difference between the usage of Internet among Arab and Non-Arab students. Moreover, this study intends to investigate the possible similarities of internet usage’s purpose, as well as it aims to find out whether there is any possible way for Universiti Utara Malaysia to improve the ability of Internet usage of postgraduate students of UUM. The study is conducted among 50 postgraduate students of Universiti Utara Malaysia. The study indicated that there are differences in terms of Internet usage among Arab and Non-Arab students. For that cultural background of the students are identified as plays important role in the shown attitude towards Internet. Also, the study has found that the popularity of internet as major source of information is adequately higher than its written counterpart. The Internet as research tool can be competitor of printed academic sources, which indicates that the written academic sources need promotion and protection from universities. Then, suggestions are made to advice on how to utilize Internet as a major platform for higher education learning, as well as important to others postgraduate in others universities in Malaysia.