Integration of Information and Communication Technology in Teaching and Learning: Assessments of Public Secondary Schools in Meru County

Abstract

This study was set to determine the extent of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use in various aspects of teaching and learning in public secondary schools, Meru County. Application of ICT in curriculum implementation goes beyond its use in class as aids to teaching. Therefore, the focus of this study was to find the answer as to what extent is ICT used in various aspects of teaching and learning in Public Secondary Schools Besides developing ICT skills, it is important that it gets integrated in teaching and school instructional management. With the changing dynamics in secondary school curriculum and technological advancement, the need for teachers to apply ICT both in and out of class has become imperative. The study was driven by the idea that virtually all countries in the world are aggressively pursuing integration of ICT in their education systems. The study sampled 211 public secondary schools from Meru County, selected through stratified sampling technique. The study sample comprised of 335 teachers, 1441 students selected through simple random sampling method and 211 principals selected through purposive sampling. Data collection was done through use of interview schedules, questionnaires, and observation guides. Data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics where qualitative data was discussed under suitable themes derived from the objectives of the study while quantitative data was analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The study established that schools lack comprehensive ICT policy on its use in teaching and learning. The study concluded that, the principals’ leadership role contributed to the failure in the use of ICT in curriculum implementation. It recommended that the Ministry of Education and principals should be be actively involved in enhancing the use of ICT in curriculum implementation.