| dc.description.abstract | Information and communication technologies have released a world of possibilities for education including downloading educational resources by students and lecturers as well as to contact lecturers for guidance in class work. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of information and communication technologies for learning among students at technical colleges in Nairobi. The literature review discussed this factors which included Information and communication technology (lCT) infrastructure, time ofICT usage, cost of ICT and level of expertise in using ICT.
For the study, four principals were purposively sampled and 354 students by stratified sampling. In the pilot study, test retest technique was used to check reliability of the instruments. A coefficient of correlation of 0.8 was obtained showing that the instruments were reliable. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 14 for windows to obtain percentages, frequencies, graphs and tables.
The results pointed out that majority of the students use computers, mobile phones, internet and read newspapers in and out of college. A good number had trained in computer yet others cited the lack of money and time for not having trained in computer. There is a fee for using computers and the technical students seem to use an average of Kshs. 180 per week on internet in cybercafes. The students' computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, internet and e-mail
were commendable though the period of time on average they used was less than two hours a week. Many of them were aware that they were not allowed to use mobile phones in class and exam rooms. Most principals needed more financial assistance to purchase more computers and fully automate the college operations like registry and accounts. They also needed assistance in maintaining up to date web sites. Most had plans for ensuring that all students were computer literate by the time they graduate.
In the light of the findings, the study recommends that there is need for public private partnership in the area of provision of leT infrastructure in technical colleges and also the Kenya Education Sector Support Programme (KESSP)
needs to give more support to technical colleges to enable them buy modern ICT infrastructure. Technical colleges need to look for ways of tapping the opportunity that the under sea fibre optic cable will bring like reduced internet costs and
finally the government needs to come up with a policy that will ensure staff and students of technical colleges are trained in computer.
The study suggested a similar study in other provinces in the country. Also a study to look at the gender disparities in ICT use in Technical, industrial, vocational and entrepreneurship training (TlVET). Finally, a longitudinal study should be carried out in private colleges to assess the impact ofICT on learning. | en |
