Influence Of Information Communication And Technology On Management Of Higher Education In Kenya: A Case Of The University Of Nairobi

Abstract

Integration of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) into teaching and learning processes contributes to increase in the interaction and reception of information. The use of ICT in educational settings, by itself acts as a catalyst for change in this domain. The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of Information Communication and Technology on management of higher education in Kenya using a case of the University of Nairobi. The study was guided by four objectives: establishing the influence of online learning options on management of higher education in Kenya; determine the influence of ICT integration in management of higher education in Kenya; assessing the influence of ICT integration in research among institutions of higher learning on management of higher education in Kenya and determining the influence ICT integration in information management on management of higher education among institutions of higher learning. This study used descriptive case study research design because the unit of analysis is one organization. The population of this study composed of the heads of service departments, heads of academic department and the students in the academic departments at the University of Nairobi. A sample of 89 officers and 780 students were selected for the study. Collected data was analyzed and presented in form of tables and charts. The study established that ICT had facilitated Digital learning environment or e-learning which had revolutionized continuing education for learners of all ages. The study further established that ICT integration had allowed for the creation of digital resources where the teachers and professionals could access research material and course material from any place at any time. The study further established that ICT integration had facilitated the networking of researchers and sharing of scholarly material which avoids duplication of work and has provided the necessary infrastructure for providing infrastructure to support digital libraries, virtual learning, research, collaboration and publications. The study concludes that there is a significant relationship between online learning options and management of education in institutions of higher learning. On ICT integration in teaching and learning processes in management of higher education, the study concludes that integration of ICT in teaching and learning processes affects the management of higher education to a great extent. On integration of ICT in information management, the study concludes that it affects the management of education to a great extent. The study also concludes that the overall improvement of the ICT infrastructure in the institution has improved the management of education to a very great extent. The study recommends that the institution carries out a campaign to inform the public of the online learning options available at the institutions. The study further recommends that the institution offers orientation training to the lecturers in the case of a new system or upgrading of the old system. The study also recommends that the institution improves the ICT infrastructure with upgraded operating systems so as to ensure faster performance especially during research. The study also recommends that a survey be conducted to find out ways in which the institutions can improve those processes and procedures.