An Investigation of the Impact of Digitisation of Curriculum Support Materials on Publishing Industry in Kenya: the Case of Kenya Literature Bureau (Klb) and Longhorn Publishers
Abstract
This study investigated the impact of digitisation of curriculum support materials on local
publishers with special reference to Kenya Literature Bureau and Longhorn Publishers.
The objectives of the study were: to examine Information Communication Technology
policy and its impact on book publishers in Kenya, to examine whether there were
technical, capacity and marketing challenges faced by publishers in digitising curriculum
support materials, and, lastly, to establish the relationship between Kenya Institute of
Curriculum Development and publishers in regard to digitisation of curriculum support
materials. The study adopted a qualitative method approach in which eighteen respondents
were interviewed. Qualitative research methods used to collect data were semi-structured
interview and desk review. Data was analysed using qualitative methods including
categorisation, comparison and descriptive statistics. Data was presented using simple
tables, simple bar graphs and texts. The study was founded on the Theory of Technology
Acceptance Model to explain the usefulness of Information Communication Technology to
publishers. The research found out that the Information Communication Technology Policy
had led to restructuring of human resource and change in operations in publishing industry.
However, the same Information Communication Technology Policy had little impact on
the overall sales turnover among publishers. The study found out that Kenya Institute of
Curriculum Development and book publishers work in liaison with each other towards
digitisation and approval of curriculum support materials although there were problems in
availing content to schools due to conflicting interests. This research also found out a
number of challenges encountered in digitising curriculum support materials. They include:
digital rights management concerns, lack of proper policies, piracy, high costs,
technological changes, lack of expertise and pricing model issues. The study recommends
that the Ministry of Education formulate policies to address issues of concern to publishers
like formats of the digital content, pricing, Digital Rights Management, procurement and
distribution structures. The government should also provide equipment and support devices
to schools to enable learners to access digital content from publishers.
Publisher
University of Nairobi
Rights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United StatesUsage Rights
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us/Collections
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