Effects of information communication technology on secondary school management: a case of Nandi North sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to investigate the effects of Information Communication Technology on secondary school management in Nandi North Sub-County. The study sought to achieve the following objectives: To examine the effects of Information Communication Technology on students' discipline; To establish the role of Information Communication Technology on curriculum management; To investigate the role of Information Communication Technology on financial management; and to establish the barriers to effective use of Information Communication Technology in school management in secondary schools in Nandi North Sub-County. Adapting research survey design and quantitative methodology, the study used questionnaires and document analysis techniques to collect data. This study was guided by Technology Acceptance Model as developed by Davis (1986). The study targeted head teachers, deputy head teachers and guidance and counseling teachers from 43 secondary schools in the district. Simple random sampling was used to select 30% of the schools where the study was conducted. This implies that 13 secondary schools were selected for this study. Purposive sampling was used to select the principals, deputy principals and guidance and counseling teachers from the schools selected. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistical techniques which included percentages, frequencies and means. Data was presented in form of frequency tables. The study revealed that the use of ICT by the students in schools increases the number of cases of cheating in examinations. It also encourages laxity and social classes and accelerates immorality in schools. The findings also reveal that ICT was used in word processing/typing, preparing class lists, processing examination marks, preparing report cards and keeping record of work covered. Further, ICT was being used for curriculum integration. ICT enhances effective fees collection, monitoring of financial records and in the preparation of books of accounts. However, the results revealed that ICT is rarely used in the procurement process and auditing books of accounts. The common barriers to effective use of JCT in secondary school management were found to be lack of time, necessary skills and interest. The findings of the study shall therefore help the management of the schools and the Ministry of Education to come up with clear policies on the use of Information Communication Technology in school management. These findings will further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of school management in secondary schools in Nandi North Sub-County