Extent of Integration of Computer Technology Into Teaching and Learning of Biology in Secondary Schools of Rachuonyo South Sub-County, Homa-Bay County, Kenya
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Date
2015
Authors
Mwanda, Gideon Magak
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to find out the extent of integration of computer
technology into the teaching and learning of Biology in secondary schools of
Rachuonyo South Sub-County. The study was conducted along the following five
objectives: One, to determine the extent to which secondary schools in Rachuonyo
South Sub-County were equipped with Computers. Two, establish the nature of
computer knowledge and skills Biology teachers in Rachuonyo South Sub-County
had. Three, establish the extent to which Biology teachers used computer
technology applications for teaching and learning. Four, to find out the challenges
Biology teachers faced in integrating computer technology into teaching and
learning process. Lastly, to determine the attitude of Biology teachers towards
integration of computer technology into teaching and learning process. The target
population consisted of all secondary schools and all trained Biology teachers' in
Rachuonyo South Sub-County. However, only15 secondary schools and 56
Biology teachers were sampled to participate in the study. The 15 schools were
purposively sampled to participate in the study because they had electricity supply.
All trained Biology teachers who were teaching in the schools selected were
purposively sampled to participate in the study. The teachers' knowledge and
ability to use computer technology formed the independent variable for the study
while teachers' frequency of utilization of different computer applications for
personal growth and in the teaching and learning process formed the dependent
variable. School environmental factors like computer availability, vision and
mission statements, curriculum support for computer use and technical assistance
in computer technology were considered mediating variables. Data for the study
was gathered using two instruments namely a questionnaire and an observation
check list. In analysing the data, descriptive statistics was used to present the result
in figures and frequency tables. The study was delimited to use of computer
technology only as a productivity tool to help teachers and students perform
various tasks. Findings of the study revealed the following: One, most schools in
the Sub-County had few computers, most of which were in computer labs and
offices; two, Biology teachers of Rachuonyo South Sub-County have inadequate
training on use of computer technology applications; three, low usage of computer
technology by the Biology teachers for personal growth and for instructional
purposes other than for communication and typing. Four, the main challenge in
integration of computer technology into the instruction process in Rachuonyo
South Sub-County is lack of computer facilities in schools. Lastly Biology teachers
of Rachuonyo South Sub-County generally have positive attitude towards use of
computer technology for instruction purposes. In response to these findings, the
study came up with the following three recommendations for policy. One, schools
should acquire more computers and to increase their accessibility to the teachers.
Two, teachers should be given adequate training on use of computer technology at
pre-service and in-service levels. Three, schools should provide teachers with
laptops which they can carry and use in preparing lessons at home and also hire
computer technicians to assist teacher when need arises. Lastly, the Kenya
Government should put in place a policy framework to guide secondary schools on
the path to effective computer integration into the instruction process.
Description
A Thesis Submitted In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for Award of the Degree of Master of Education of Kenyatta University