ABSTRACT

Globally the important role played by the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in educational institutions has grown with states putting heavy investments in the purchase of ICT equipment and providing internet access for students and teachers. The Kenya government has been encouraging the adoption of ICT in schools. However, it is not clear to what extent this has been implemented. In Mukurwe-ini Sub County the implementation of ICT has not been effective as evidenced by Table 1.1. This study sought to assess the preparedness of public secondary schools on the Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Mukurwe-ini Sub County, Nyeri County. The study will assess the extent of use of ICT in secondary schools as well as investigate the school related and the teacher related preparedness to the use of ICT in their duties. The information obtained is helpful in assessing the implementation of government policy on ICT in schools. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The target population consisted; 31 public secondary school principals and 374 teachers in Mukurwe-ini Sub County. The researcher employed purposively, stratified random sampling techniques to select a sample of 15 schools, 15 principals and 120 teachers for the study. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. The questionnaires were assessed by experts in the field of educational technology to ensure validity while the reliability was tested using Cronbach’s alpha co-efficient calculated from the results of a pilot study and found to have a Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient of 0.85. The study obtained both quantitative and qualitative data. Qualitative data were analysed thematically as per research objectives. Quantitative data were analysed by use of descriptive statistics in which measures of central tendencies such as mean, mode, and percentages were used for determination of extent of ICT, the level of school related and teacher related preparedness while inferential statistics specifically the independent sample t-test was used to test the relationship between variables using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). It was found that teachers rarely used computers in teaching and learning. The school preparedness was poor with school environment and support being low while teachers had positive attitudes towards integration of ICT in teaching. However, teachers were found not to be well adequately trained and experienced in the use of ICT thus very low self confidence in use of ICT in teaching and learning. Conducive school environment that was supportive was found to have positive impact of integration of ICT, inadequate training and low self confidence hindered the adoption of ICT. The study recommended that the inclusion of ICT in curriculum in teacher training institutions, increased funding, provision up to date training of teachers and employment of technical support staff to improve ICT adoption in teaching and learning.