Managing a necessary transition: An assesment of Information Technology Integration in school management in Kangundo sub-county, Kenya

Abstract

The Heads of secondary schools have many managerial tasks to undertake. Besides the many managerial tasks of school heads, many schools in Kangundo sub-county continue to use manual information systems which rely heavily on manual fillings. Such systems are associated with limitations and schools in Kangundo sub-county have continued to post poor results. Information and communication technology (ICT) is one of the innovations schools administrators are utilizing to make transformation in school management. The purpose of the study was to investigate the integration of ICT on managerial processes and its perceived effects on management of secondary schools of Kangundo sub-county. Descriptive survey research design was used where quantitative methodology was employed. The target population was all the 30 secondary schools in the sub-county. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 28 schools to act as research sites. The Head teachers and computer teachers of the 28 schools formed the sample for the study. The study was based on TPACK framework. The research instruments used to collect data were questionnaires, interviews and observation guide. The data was analyzed quantitatively, quantitative analysis comprised of descriptive statistics: frequency distribution tables, modes and percentage. Analysis through the use of SPSS computer programme was carried out on the responses of 28 respondents. The findings of the study showed that ICT as a management tool in secondary schools was not used effectively to address management issues. It was employed mainly for clerical activities and to a lesser extent on a few other administrative duties, particularly processing exams. Schools have faced challenges which have contributed to the limited use of ICT in management. These challenges include limited computer hardware, lack of adequate training in ICT, expensive software and lack of clear policy on integration of ICT in management. Strategies have been suggested on how to utilize ICT to improve management processes and recommendations given on issues that touch on ICT access, training and financing.