Can the Dream Come True? The Challenge of the Use of lCT in the Teaching of Chemistry in Kenya

Abstract

Claims have been made about the motivational effects of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) on students' learning. This happens because of the creation of an environment rich in exploratory and discovery approach to learning particularly in Science. The emphasis in the teaching of Science, in our context chemistry, has been moving in this direction. ICT has found a fertile application in th~ teaching of Chemistry because it enhances student centered heuristic learning environment. In Kenya, the Ministry of Education has been encouraging professional development of teachers in the use of leT in teaching. Realising the importance/application of ICT in teaching, the Ministry of Education in Kenya has initiated an ICT pilot project, The New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) with aim of realizing the dream of integrating ICT in Teaching Science in all Kenyan Secondary Schools. The success or failure of this project has not been known. However there might be challenges the project has been facing which might need overcoming before a full scale implementation of the dream project. A case study of the challenges facing this project particularly in the Teaching of Chemistry was done. This paper will present the findings.