Determinants of Information and Communication Technology Usage in Secondary Schools in Gatundu District, in Kiambu County in Kenya.

Abstract

The purpose of this case study was to investigate the determinants of ICT usage in schools in Gatundu District. It focused on different categories of secondary schools in the district. This research is expected to aid schools evaluate their ICT usage strategies and make any necessary adjustments, since it was observed that over 50% of schools have a ratio of one computer to over 60 students, while the teacher computer literacy level stood at 46%. Even when the stakeholders undertake noble ICT projects in schools, it does not guarantee proper utilization by the beneficiaries. Some commentators claim that ICT is still underused in classrooms (for example, Cuban, 2001; Fuller, 2000; Loveless). The mere presence of leT equipment and resources in schools does not necessarily ensure an appropriate application of ICT in classrooms (Dede, 2000). This study is also meant to benefit the government, sponsors· and other interested stakeholders. The study adopted a logical approach used in research, using purposive judgmental sampling method. The sample frame being all ICT coordinators and teachers from all the school that were interviewed. Uma Sekeran (2004) writes that within this method, "the researcher chooses the subject who are most advantageously placed or in the best position to provide the information required" (2004:277)\ The target population is all the 60 schools in Gatundu district i.e. the only private school (St. John's Gakoe), all 6 provincial and all the 53 district schools in the district. Descriptive statistics will be used to analyze quantitative data and investigate the relationship between variables. The data will be collected through self-administered questionnaire and oral interviews.