Preparedness of the head teachers in the use of Information Communication Technology in public primary schools in Bondo District, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the preparedness of headteachers in the use of information communication Technology in public primary schools in general school administration. The study set out to investigate the training levels of headteachetrs in the use of computers in public primary schools. Secondly, the study determined the headteachers attitude towards the use of computers in public primary schools. Thirdly, the study investigated the extent do which public primary schools’ headteachers perceived computer technology to improve their effectiveness and efficiency as school administrators. Finally, the study sought to identify the strategies of headteachers put in place to enhance the use of computers in public primary schools.The study applied a descriptive survey design and data was collected through the use of questionnaires and observation schedule. The findings revealed that, there are very few ICT literate headteachers. All headteachers and teachers had a positive attitude towards the use of computers in public primary schools. All headteachers accepted their awareness of computer being a suitable tool for administrative purposes. Further revelation was that, majority of the headteachers had made recommendation and proposals to the Ministry of Education and Nongovernmental organizations to be trained on computer usage and some of the headteachers had registered with computer training institutions to acquire computer literacy as some of their strategize to enhance the use of computers in public primary schools. Based on the findings, it was concluded that headteachers are not prepared in the use of Information Communication Technology.The study revealed that, the training levels of headteachers in the use of ICT in public primary schools is low, the headteacher’s attitude towards the use of computers in public primary schools is positive and headteachers levels of awareness in the use of computer as a suitable tool for administrative purposes being high. The study recommended that the government should step in and upgrade the ICT infrastructure such as computer laboratories and internet connectivity. The study also recommended that the current ICT programmes should be revised to ensure that it is geared towards the pedagogical value of ICTs instead of just equipping the headteachers, teachers and learners with basic ICT skills.It was further suggested that headteachers be provided with professional opportunities in areas of computer technology through regular capacity building courses and workshops. Teacher training institutions to evaluate how teacher trainees could be prepared to be computer literate. Further research on the extent of the schools management support in ICT integration in education in the district and the role of computer technology on general school administration should be carried out.