Influence of teacher characteristics on integration of information communication and technology in teaching in ICT champion schools in Machakos sub-county

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to investigate the influence of teacher characteristics on ICT integration in teaching in ICT Champion schools in Machakos Sub-county. The study was guided by the following objectives: to establish the influence of teacher’s demographic factors, teacher attitude teacher’s subject specialization, teacher’s level of training and teacher’s teaching experience on ICT integration on teaching in ICT champion schools in Machakos Sub –County. The study used mixed methods research design. A sample of 163teachers and 9 principals was selected. Teacher respondents were selected using Yamene (2000) formula whereby a population of 271 yielded a sample of 163 respondents. The principals were chosen purposively from the nine schools owing to the crucial role they play in implementation of ICT integration. The study used primary data that was collected using self-administered structured questionnaires and interview guide to teachers and principals respectively. Content validity of the instrument was ascertained through a pilot study. Reliability was ascertained by a test retest method. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with aid of the SPSS software. The influence of teacher characteristics on integration of ICT in teaching in public secondary schools was tested using Pearson’s chi-square test at five percent (0.05) level of significance. The study found that there was a statistically significant relationship between demographic factors, attitude and training in ICT programme especially power point presentation with integration of ICT in teaching because the p-value for chi-square test was a figure below 0.05.The null hypothesis for those objectives was rejected while on the other hand there was no significant relationship between teaching subjects and teaching experience because the p –value was a figure above 0.05 hence the null hypothesis for those objectives was accepted.The study recommended that the government should introduce compulsory computer training for teachers to equip them with ICT competencies and also sensitize the few with negative to deflect that negative attitude and embrace it.