Influence of Information and Communication Technology on the Quality of Educational Management in Secondary Schools in Kakamega County, Kenya

Abstract

Kenya is among those countries that have adopted the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) as a vehicle for educational change and improvement. Use of ICTs is known for transforming the quality of management of educational institutions worldwide. The government has encouraged investment in ICTs through the provision of grants to selected secondary schools to acquire computers.  Secondary schools in Kakamega County have been beneficiaries of these grants. However, information on how these ICTs have influenced educational management in schools remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of ICTs in Educational Management in public secondary schools in Kakamega County. The study was guided by Rodgers Diffusion and Innovation Theory. Descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The study population comprised of 360 Heads of Departments, 45 Principals and 45 Directors of Studies from 45 public secondary schools that had benefited from ICTs grant. Using Stratified, purposive and simple random sampling techniques, a representative sample of 161 respondents comprising of 23 Principals, 23 Directors of Studies and 115 Heads of Department (HODs) was selected to participate in the study.  Three questionnaires, one for each category of respondents were used to collect data.  Validity of the instruments was determined through expert judgment. Cronbach Alpha was used to estimate the reliability of the instruments. A coefficient alpha of 0.70 and above was acceptable thereby making research instrument reliable.  Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results showed that a variety of ICT facilities were used frequently mainly in the analysis of examination results, preparing of students mark sheets, generating report cards, revision materials and clerical work.  The use of ICT in educational management had improved school operations, quality of services and made the schools more efficient while performing their tasks.  As such it was agreed that ICT was beneficial in educational management. The study recommends that the government through its agencies intensify ICT in-service training to enhance their integration capacity in school management. Stakeholders should also put more effort towards improving and equipping schools with ICT facilities.