THE INFLUENCE OF TEACHER COMPETENCY ON ICT INTEGRATION IN LEARNING OF HOME SCIENCE IN HIGH SCHOOLS IN KIAMBU COUNTY; KENYA

Abstract

Globally countries are transiting from normal classroom teaching methods to use of Information communication technology (ICT) in teaching and learning process. In Kenya, the integration of ICT in education has become a priority, and teacher competency in using technology is critical to its success. However, to effectively integrate ICT in education, teachers need adequate training and support. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between teacher competency in ICT and the integration of ICT in teaching in secondary schools in Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives; to find out the effect of teachers training on use of ICT, to find out the effect of teacher experience on ICT and to find out the effect of teacher attitude on use of ICT. The study adopted descriptive research design because the study variables were qualitative in nature. Further, a descriptive study was in exploring the study topic in details and reveal the underlying factors in detail. Primary data was collected from 23 Principals, 30 Home science teachers and 480 students. This data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. The results indicated that teacher competency plays a key role in the efficiency of teaching using ICT as it boosts teacher confidence while integrating ICT. However, majority of International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management, United Kingdom teachers were not well equipped with relevant ICT skills for use in teaching giving reasons as lack of computer proficiency, lack of digital content, lack of exposure to ICT facilities among others. The study is key in helping revamp the education sector policy in teacher training and adoption of modern and post-modern technology in classroom delivery that will improve the teaching and learning process for secondary schools in Kenya.