Utilization of information and communication technology on management of public secondary schools in trans Nzoia west district, Kenya

Abstract

This study investigated utilization of information and communication technology on management of public secondary schools in Trans Nzoia West District. The study was guided by four objectives: use of ICT on examination processing in management of public secondary schools, utilization of ICT on communication in management of public secondary schools, use of ICT in students’ record keeping in management of public secondary schools and use of ICT in maintaining school accounts in management of public secondary schools in Trans Nzoia West District. A survey research design was adopted for the study. The target population was 74 secondary schools. A purposive sampling procedure was used where 30 secondary school with ICT facilities were incorporated in the study. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview guides and observation checklists. Data analysis was performed using SPSS for descriptive statistics and results presented in tables, frequencies and percentages. The study established that utilization of ICT facilities had a great impact in management of examinations, in enhancing communication, in storing student’s data and in management of school accounts. Availability of ICT facilities made school registration of candidates for National Examination convenient. ICT had made communication to be cheap, fast and reliable. Utilization of ICT in management of students records enabled easier retrieval of information and reduced the bulkiness associated with manual files. ICT enhanced accountability and reduced workloads in management of school accounts. In view of the above findings the study recommends that schools through headteachers to sponsor more teachers for ICT training. The teachers service commission being the employer of teachers to compel institutions offering teacher education to have ICT training mandatory to all teacher trainees. ICT literacy should be a qualification for one to be appointed as a H.O.D, deputy principal or principal. The Ministry of education should set standards for management of schools, which incorporates ICT.