Understanding the perceptions of network gatekeepers on bandwidth and online video streams in Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria

Abstract

Online video streaming is a learning technology used in today’s world and reliant on the availability of bandwidth. This research study sought to understand the perceptions of network gatekeepers about bandwidth and online video streams in Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria. To achieve this, the interpretive paradigm and the Network Gatekeeping Theory were used as the theoretical framework and also a case study approach was employed to investigate the phenomenon. The study used a purposive sampling technique and a semi-structured interview to seek out opinions from the respondents who were the network gatekeepers within the university. A thematic analytical approach was done with the use of NVivo software, which yielded one hundred and seven codes, ten sub-categories and four major categories. The findings from the study indicated that: (1) perceptions of network managers were one sided; (2) no acceptable user policy was on ground and available bandwidth was limited; and (3) limitation of bandwidth, hindered user access to online video and mechanisms for gatekeeping had a role to play in the overall access to online video.