INTERNET USAGE IN NON-FICTION WRITING: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

This study assessed the opportunities and challenges that have been brought about by the advent of the Internet services. Since the study was all about the perceptions held by researchers on Internet usage, the descriptive survey design was adopted. Questionnaires and interviews were used to solicit data from the respondents. Data were reported both qualitatively and quantitatively. The study focused on the 130 tutors at the Zimbabwe Open University`s 10 geographical regions. Out of this population, a convenient sample of 50 was selected. The study found out that the respondents showed enthusiasm towards use of Internet for various purposes including research and scholarship work. It also established that the Internet was used for research for publication purposes by a sizeable number of the lecturers but the majority of the lecturers used the Internet for research for scholarship work. Though respondents showed a positive attitude towards the use of the Internet, the impact of this use was not being translated into tangible results as only 23 research articles and 4 books had been published among the 50 lecturers over a period of three years. Lack of competence in internet usage and lack of access to blocked but vital documents made it difficult for the faculty members to use the internet. It was therefore recommended that there should be intensive training in Internet usage particularly searching for information from various sources. Though expensive, lecturers are encouraged to purchase USB internet modems for connectivity where the institution is unable to provide connectivity.