The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in enhancing teaching and learning in public primary teacher training colleges in Kenya
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of Information Communication
Technologies (ICTs) in enhancing teaching and learning in public primary teacher
training colleges in Kenya. Six research questions were formulated to guide in the
study. Research question one was aimed at establishing the extent to which public
primary teacher training colleges have established lCT infrastructure for use in
enhancing teaching and learning. Question two aimed at establishing the extent to
which tutors and teacher trainees are endowed with skills on lCT use in enhancing
teaching and learning. Research question three sought to determine the attitudes of
principals, tutors and teacher trainees towards the use of computers in teaching and
learning. Research question four aimed at determining the extent to which tutors
and teacher trainees had integrated lCTs in enhancing teaching and learning,
Research question five aimed at investigating the challenges affecting the use of
ICTs in enhancing teaching and learning. Research question six sought to
investigate the factors which enhance the use of ICTs in teaching and learning.
The study applied a descriptive survey design and data was collected through the
Use of questionnaires and an observational schedule. The findings revealed that,
public primary teacher training colleges had established some lCT infrastructure
which was not adequate for teaching and learning needs. Majority of the tutors did
not have access to the available lCTs compared to the teacher trainees. It was also
revealed that both the tutors and the teacher trainees had basic computer skills but
lacked in skills which required advanced use of lCTs such as use of internet for information gathering, collaboration, and interactive learning between the tutors and
the learners. The attitude of the principals, tutors and teacher trainees towards the
use of computers in teaching and learning was positive implying acceptance that
computers can be used to enhance teaching and learning.
The findings of the study revealed that there was a low uptake of lCTs in enhancing
teaching and learning and the use of available ICTs was limited to the acquisition of
basic lCT skills by the teacher trainees. Among the key challenges identified in use
of lCTs in enhancing teaching and learning includes inadequate lCT infrastructure.
lack of knowledge and skills on how to integrate ICTs in teaching and learning, lack
of time to explore and integrate lCTs in the lessons and lack of technical assistance.
Among the factors that would enhance the use of ICTs in teaching and learning
include ensuring that teacher training colleges have adequate lCT infrastructure for
both tutors and teacher trainees, training of tutors on use of lCTs in teaching and
learning, posting of more lCT tutors who are qualified teachers, and allocating more
time for lCT in the college timetable. Based on the findings, the study concluded
that there was a low uptake of ICT in enhancing teaching and learning. The study
recommended that the government should step in and upgrade the lCT
infrastructure such as computer laboratories and internet connectivity. The study
also recommended that the current lCT curriculum should be revised to ensure that
it is geared towards the pedagogical value of lCTs instead of just equipping the
learners with basic lCT skills such as Microsoft Software applications such as
Word, Excel and Access.
Further research on the perception of tutors towards the use of lCT in supporting
teaching and learning and the most successful and relevant strategies for using lCT
to change teaching and learning practices should be conducted.
Publisher
UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
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