Abstract:
The role played by Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in any institution
cannot be over-emphasized. ICT has also been credited with the potential to integrate
world economies thus demolishing the barriers created by time and distance. However
despite it role in improving effectiveness and efficiency in service delivery, its adoption
in most of the secondary schools has remained low and limited. This study sought to
assess the factors affecting the adoption of ICT for education support activities in
secondary schools in Kenya through a survey of Thika District.
The study used a total sample of 92 respondents selected from public and private
secondary schools in Thika district through stratified, simple random sampling.
Questionnaires were used to collect primary data. The data was analyzed using Statistical
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) whereby Descriptive Statistics such as frequency
distributions, percentages, means and standard deviations as well as inferential statistics
such as Pearson Correlation and ANOVA tests were utilized. The findings were presented
using frequency tables, and bar graphs.
The survey established user’s attitude, IT literacy, connectivity, cost and policy issues in
information technology as the major factors affecting the rate of ICT adoption in
secondary schools in Kenya. However the study found that the said aspects have strong
association with pace of ICT adoption and their effect is similar in both public and private
schools and that low IT literacy levels and inadequate psychological preparedness cuts
across all teacher levels.
The study recommends the government through its agencies to intensify ICT in-service
programs, e-learning workshops and conferences for teachers to enhance their integration
capacity. More over stakeholders should put more effort towards improving and
equipping the schools with ICT-literacy training facilities for both teachers and students
to increase access. Government should coordinate the integration and subsidize the costs
as well as monitor the implementation of a well focused frame work in line with the
national education ICT adoption strategy for learning institutions.
Key words: Information and Communication Technology; Secondary Schools; ICT
Adoption.
