Role of ICT in Dissemination of Information in Secondary Schools in Kenya: A Literature Based Review

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is an electronic means of capturing processing, storing and disseminating information. In education, information and communication technology is seen to encompass the use of a wide range of technologies including computers, the internet and interactive video. Information Communication Technology (ICT) plays a critical role in the dissemination of information around the world. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are defined as a diverse set of technological tools and resources used to communicate and to create, disseminate, store, and manage information. The purpose of the study was to establish the role of ICT in Dissemination of Information in Secondary Schools in Kenya: A Literature Based Review. The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes. A critical review of empirical literature was conducted to establish the role of ICT in information dissemination in schools. It was established that Information Communication Technology (ICT) plays a critical role in the dissemination of information in schools. Result findings from literature based review indicated that ICT facilitated efficient and economic storage, retrieval and dissemination of accurate information which improved the administration processes in schools. It was also established that through the integration of ICT for example instance internet, emails, video conferencing new venture of communication dissemination in schools has been established. Due to the recent development in ICT, school administrators use ICT for improved communication as a process of transforming thoughts, sharing and imparting of information among different schools, and knowledge experts locally and all over the world which in return enhances the administration of their schools. It was found that ICT is relevant in facilitating effective and quick decision making, aiding analyzing data quickly and accurately, facilitating information gathering & dissemination, enhancing monitoring of educational facilities & resources, facilitating adequate data storage, improving coordination of tasks and activities, making administrators more productive, enhancing effective communication and knowledge sharing, facilitating fast educational planning process, improving skill acquisition & development and enhancing data processing. The study concluded that ICT has a significant role in the dissemination of information in schools. It is also concluded that that ICT has played a big role in the communication and dissemination of information in schools. The study recommended that the government through the ministry of education should lay out ICT infrastructure in schools to facilitate the use of ICT in the managements of schools. Through the laying down of ICT infrastructure such as the internet, secondary schools in Kenya will be able to receive, retrieve and disseminate information effectively.