Impact of Information and Communication Technology in the management of private secondary schools in Nairobi, Kenya
Abstract
Information and Communication Technology (lCT) became a tool for management in the
corporate world including schools towards the end of the twentieth century. In Kenya
ICT is quickly being embraced in most schools. The purpose of this study was to find out
the impact of ICT in day to day management practices in private secondary school in
Nairobi, Kenya. The objectives of this study included an examination in the role of ICT
in financial management, human resource management, administrative management and
management of curriculum activities in private secondary schools in Nairobi. These
objectives were used to set the research questions that guided data collection and the
review of related literature.
The literature reviewed focused on the importance of effective secondary school
management and role of secondary school managers. The literature reviewed also looked
in the development of secondary education and the emergence of private secondary
schools in Kenya. Finally, the literature review covered the role of ICT in school
management and the challenges it is facing in managing schools.
The study was delimited to private secondary schools in Nairobi. It was delimited to
schools with at least working telephone connection and a computer as basic components
of ICT. Through random sampling a sample size of 40 private secondary schools
participated in the study from the wider population of 150 private secondary schools. The
study design was a survey; the instruments used for data collection were questionnaires,
interview schedules and observation schedules. Other information was obtained through
secondary sources available in various publications. Data obtained was analyzed using
various statistical tools.
The findings showed that most private secondary schools in Nairobi have invested
heavily on ICT infrastructure. Most head teachers have basic training in ICT. Equally the
study found a strong impact of ICT in management of private secondary schools
especially in financial and human resource management. This was more reflected In
accounts, pay roll and staff record management.
More so significant impact in the management of curriculum activities especially in
school timetabling, examination administration and preparation of students' reports was
used. In administrative activities the impact was minimal. It was mainly evidenced in
stores management. Finally the study found out that the major draw back was the cost of
putting in place the necessary lCT equipments, however most head teachers agreed that
in the long run lCT helps in reducing cost of management, widening space control and
improve on the quality of school administration.
The study recommended a comprehensive School Management Information System
(SMIS). This is necessary foe schools to fully benefit from ICT; equally the study
recommends that the impact use of lCT in public schools also be investigated.
Citation
Masters thesis, university of Nairobi (2007)Publisher
University of Nairobi Department of Education