Factors influencing teachers readiness to use Ict in teaching in public secondary schools in Gatundu north District, Kiambu county, Kenya

Abstract

This research focuses on factors influencing teachers readiness to use ICT in teaching in public secondary schools in Gatundu North District, Kiambu County, Kenya. Research work has not been exhaustive especially on the area of teachers readiness to use ICT in teaching in secondary schools. In particular no known research on readiness to use ICT in teaching in secondary schools has been done in Gatundu North District. To fill this gap, this study singled out teachers and conducted an in-depth study into the extent of their readiness to use ICT in teaching in Gatundu North District. The key purpose of the study was to establish factors influencing teachers readiness to use ICT in teaching in public secondary schools in Gatundu North District. The study was guided by the following objectives; to establish the extent to which personal characteristics influence teachers readiness to use ICT in teaching, to determine the extent to which prior computer training influences teachers readiness to use ICT in teaching, and the extent to which ICT infrastructure influences teachers readiness to use ICT in teaching. The sample consisted of head teachers and teachers in selected schools in Gatundu North District, Kiambu County. Data was collected by use of questionnaires and interview guide. The independent variables of the study were factors influencing teachers readiness to use ICT in public secondary schools while the dependent variable of the study was teachers readiness to use ICT. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the quantitative data which was presented in tables while qualitative data from interview guide was analyzed by use of content analysis which involves a systematic, replicable technique for compressing many words of text into fewer categories. Relevant interpretation, discussions and recommendations were drawn from the analyzed data. A major finding of the study is that computer training influences teachers readiness because training makes the teachers acquire more knowledge. The acquired knowledge makes them more confident and competent. A major recommendation of the study is the need to have regular refresher courses in ICT as the findings revealed that not all teachers had good computer skills. Further, there is need to improve/install ICT infrastructure as lack of it negatively affected teachers readiness.The findings of the study may be adopted by administrators and planners in the field of education to improve to assess readiness to use ICT amongst teachers. Furthermore the findings of the study may contribute to the deeper understanding of readiness to use ICT by teachers with the aim of increasing access to ICT theory and equipment by teachers