Factors Influencing Computer Usage By Primary School Teachers Enrolled In Distance Education Programmes In Kenya: A Case Of Kieni East District, Nyeri County, Kenya

Abstract

The study aimed at establishing factors influencing computer usage by primary school teachers enrolled in distance education programme. The study was guided by the following objectives: to establish home computer availability among primary school teachers who have enrolled for distance, to determine internet accessibility among primary school teachers who have enrolled for distance education, to assess the competence of computer usage among primary school teachers who have enrolled for distance and to establish whether there are gender differences in computer usage among primary school teachers who have enrolled for distance. This study used descriptive survey design. The target population are the primary school teachers in Kieni East District who have enrolled in distance education programmes. The study used purposive sampling to obtain the respondents. This study used questionnaire as the tool of data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Research findings were presented using tables. Regarding home computer availability, it was found out that substantial number of distance learners have computers at home. However, there are more males with home computers than females. In relation to access to internet, it was found that most distance learners have access to internet. For those who can access internet, it is beneficial in their distance learning since they can access a variety of content. However, there are more male distance learners with access to internet than female distance learners. In relation to computer competence, it was found that most distance learners have taken a course in computers. However, most of them rate their competence in computers as average and low. In addition, male distance learners have a higher tendency to use computers and are more interested in computers and this makes them more competent than their counterpart female distance learners. In connection to gender differences in computer competence, it was found that male distance learners are more competent in computers than their female counterparts because they are more interested and like using computers more hence improve on their competence. The study found a significant relationship between computer competence and computer usage and between gender differences and computer usage among distance learners. The researcher recommended that distance educators should show the importance of computers to the distance learners. Female distance learners should increase their interest and time in computer usage to improve competence. The researcher suggested that a similar study should be carried out in other areas in the country to establish whether the findings are similar to those generated by the study and further research should carried out to establish how to overcome the gender differences in computer usage among distance learners in Kenya.