Impact of Information and Communication Technology in the management of private secondary schools in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (lCT) became a tool for management in the corporate world including schools towards the end of the twentieth century. In Kenya ICT is quickly being embraced in most schools. The purpose of this study was to find out the impact of ICT in day to day management practices in private secondary school in Nairobi, Kenya. The objectives of this study included an examination in the role of ICT in financial management, human resource management, administrative management and management of curriculum activities in private secondary schools in Nairobi. These objectives were used to set the research questions that guided data collection and the review of related literature. The literature reviewed focused on the importance of effective secondary school management and role of secondary school managers. The literature reviewed also looked in the development of secondary education and the emergence of private secondary schools in Kenya. Finally, the literature review covered the role of ICT in school management and the challenges it is facing in managing schools. The study was delimited to private secondary schools in Nairobi. It was delimited to schools with at least working telephone connection and a computer as basic components of ICT. Through random sampling a sample size of 40 private secondary schools participated in the study from the wider population of 150 private secondary schools. The study design was a survey; the instruments used for data collection were questionnaires, interview schedules and observation schedules. Other information was obtained through secondary sources available in various publications. Data obtained was analyzed using various statistical tools. The findings showed that most private secondary schools in Nairobi have invested heavily on ICT infrastructure. Most head teachers have basic training in ICT. Equally the study found a strong impact of ICT in management of private secondary schools especially in financial and human resource management. This was more reflected In accounts, pay roll and staff record management. More so significant impact in the management of curriculum activities especially in school timetabling, examination administration and preparation of students' reports was used. In administrative activities the impact was minimal. It was mainly evidenced in stores management. Finally the study found out that the major draw back was the cost of putting in place the necessary lCT equipments, however most head teachers agreed that in the long run lCT helps in reducing cost of management, widening space control and improve on the quality of school administration. The study recommended a comprehensive School Management Information System (SMIS). This is necessary foe schools to fully benefit from ICT; equally the study recommends that the impact use of lCT in public schools also be investigated.