Factors influencing integration of information communication technology in management of public secondary schools in Kikuyu sub county, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the factors influencing integration of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in management of public secondary schools in Kikuyu Sub County, Kenya. The study was guided by four research objectives. The study adopted a descriptive research design which provided a qualitative description of trends, attitudes and perceptions of the population. The target population was 20 public secondary in Kikuyu sub-county. The study found out that principals, deputy principals and head of department had undergone training related to ICT management as indicated by majority of the principals, deputy principals and head of department. Majority of principals strongly agreed that computer training improved management while they also strongly agreed that teacher training should include instructional application of computers. The principals indicated that they used internets and computers every day and also indicated that they used printers while they never used fax facility, however the system software were expensive. It was found that teacher’s resistance to change concerning the use of new strategies and isolation from other people during management was not a challenge. It was also found out that funding for ICT training has led to over- reliance on external donor funding as indicated by majority of head of department. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that teachers in secondary schools had undergone training related to ICT management. It was also concluded that availability of technologies assist in school management, resistance to change concerning the use of new strategies was not an obstacle to ICT integration in schools, government was still one of the key agencies that funds ICT human resource development in schools and lastly funding for ICT training has led to over- reliance on external donor funding. Schools lacked levy for ICT service in the school and they experienced high cost of technology. Based on the findings the researcher recommended that educational planners and administrators need to have adequate and accurate data using Information Technology of school personnel including academic and non-academic staff and school records for effective planning and management of schools with adequate technical support and maintenance of Information Systems.