Teacher Preparedness for Implementation of E–Learning Programmes in Public Primary Schools in Kenya (Published)
The use of ICT in many countries has contributed to improvement of their economies through scientific knowledge and services. In Kenya the policy makers initiated Vision 2030 as a vehicle for industrial advancement and growth of economy. The purpose of this study was to assess teacher preparedness for the implementation of e – learning programmes in Emuhaya Sub-county in Kenya. Objectives that guided this study include: To establish teachers preparedness in terms of knowledge, attitudes and skills for implementation of e – learning in public primary school and to identify challenges which implementers of e – learning are likely to face in public primary schools in Emuhaya Sub-county. The target population of the study was 664 class teachers from 83 public primary schools, each school providing eight teachers. Simple random sampling method was used to select 25 public primary schools from 83 schools in the sub-county. The sample size comprised 200 class teachers as respondents selected from middle and upper primary. Questionnaires were administered to class teachers and their responses presented in frequencies and percentages for the purpose of data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that teachers are not well prepared to implement e-learning programme therefore a lot of resistance to the programme. Teachers require sufficient time to prepare for integration into the new system of instruction. To address the problem teachers need encouragement through pre-service and in-service training. The respondents encounters challenges such as computer illiteracy and phobia, lack of computers and e – learning classrooms, lack of electricity, financing of e – learning programmes, sensitization of stakeholders, accessibility and time for training, old age and attitude. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education should introduce clusters of e – learning centres with instructors to man a group of schools. These centres can be used for training teachers from nearby schools. It is easier and cheap in terms of transport costs and also it is convenient. The private sector which plays a significant role in the development and growth of economy should be encouraged to support the initiative by donating funds to equip schools with computers.
Keywords: E-learning, Implementation, Preparedness