A Framework For Evaluating The Outcome Of Use Of ICTOn Early Grade Literacy Assessment; A Case Study Of Tusome Literacy Programme In Kenya

Abstract

Previous research work in the field of education has highlighted how information and communication technology plays an integral role in deepening and accelerating learning. Little has been done focusing on its adoption among public schools in Kenya. Systematic use of mobile devices and other information and communication technologies to assess early grade literacy and numeracy, especially in developing countries, remains limited to date. The purpose of this study is to develop a framework for evaluating the outcomes of ICT use on early grade literacy assessment. The focus of this study is on Tusome Literacy program, which is a USAID funded program of over five years, which has been adopted by the Kenyan Government. Education officials under Ministry of Education are equipped with tablets that have pre-installed software to be used for continuous assessment of Curriculum Support Officers, teachers and learners in early grade literacy in public primary schools. The specific objectives are: the relationship between the ICT infrastructure and the level of use of the assessment tool; the relationship between the ICT skills of the Curriculum Support Officer/County Director of Education and the level of use of the assessment tool; the relationship between the local support and the level of use of the assessment tool; the relationship between the level of use of the assessment tool and the frequency of the lessons observed; the relationship between the frequency of lessons observed and the literacy score of the learners. The design of this study is a survey research that was conducted in three counties in Kenya i.e Uasin Gishu, Bungoma and Busia counties. The sample size determination for the CSOs was equal to the population. The study targeted 30 CSOs and 2 County Directors from Bungoma, 14 CSOs and 2 County Directors from Busia; and 17 CSOs and 2 County Directors from Uasin Gishu. Questionnaires were used to collect data. The response rate was 89%. Analysis of the data was done by both descriptive statistics and inferential analysis. The study found out that the issuance of tablets with preloaded monitoring tools and applications to the CSOs and County Directors of Education enabled implementation and use of the ICT tools. The tablets had a source of internet connection so as to send the collected data to a central server. Continuous training and support of the CSOs on use of the ICT gadgets for classroom support was also key. Proper implementation resulted to increased frequency of CSOs visit to schools to iii continuously support teachers and assess teachers and learners using the ICT tools. Frequency of lessons observed and the implementation (use of the assessment tools) was significantly related as the OR=1.599, p=0.004. The study compared the literacy score and the ICT outcome (frequency of lessons observed by CSOs). The result showed that the ICT outcome significantly relates to the literacy score the with an odds ratio OR=9.531E-019, p=0.001. In conclusion, Tusome Literacy Programme has enabled improved literacy on early grade learners through use of ICT tools to monitor and support teachers and continuous assessment of learners in the early grade. A recommendation for further research is the integration of the ICT monitoring tool (Tangerine:Tutor) with other Ministry of Education systems such as The National Education Management Information System (NEMIS). The integrated data and information would enable better use for decision-making and formulation of transparent and accountable policies within the education sector in Kenya.