Technology in enhancing 21st century learning skills in public secondary schools in Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibilities of technology in transforming 21stcentury learning skills in schools. The study sought to fulfil the following objectives: determine whether education system is K'T enabled for integration in schools, determine whether K'Ts integration enhances students' development of2pt century learning skills, examine whether the curriculum has incorporated K'T assessments and whether it addresses 21st century skills and to examine whether teachers do adopt new pedagogies that embrace 21stcentury skills. The researcher used case study design where the research structure included intensive and in-depth investigation on an issue at hand in a relatively small sample. The researcher used simple random sampling technique with forty teachers participating in the study whereby each school had one teacher involved from their schools. A total of eighty students participated in the study and eighteen head teachers. This study was conducted by the researcher using prepared questionnaires which respondents were school teachers, head teachers and students. Quantitive data was analyzed through descriptive statistics using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 18.0.the raw data was presented through percentages, mean, standard deviation and frequencies. The results were displayed by use of bar charts graphs and pie charts in prose-form. The study revealed that education system was not technology enabled. 66% of teachers were in opposition to contribute positively towards the development of 21st century learning skills. As to whether integration of technology enhances students' development of 21st century skills, was too early in the education system to tell. Further curriculum has yet to incorporate IT assessment. This as well mean that curriculum as it is structured, is yet to adopt to address21st century skills. Teachers are to adopt to modem approaches that incorporate 21st century skills. Study recommended that government should give priority to technology and how it can be adopted to enhance 21st century skills