Evaluation and Utilization of Information & Communication Technology (ICT) Infrastructure in Secondary Schools of Silti

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the status of availability and utilization of ICT infrastructure for teaching and learning purpose in selected secondary schools of Silti woreda in silte zone. Descriptive survey method was used where both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were employed. The study was conducted in 3 selected secondary schools, which contained 70 teachers, 5 principals, 86 students and 2 ICT personnel. The teachers were selected by simple random sampling technique, and students were selected by convenience sample technique, school principals and IT personnel participated in the interviews were selected by purposive sampling technique. The instruments employed to collect data for the study were using a closed and open ended questionnaire, semi structured interview, and checklist based observation, FGD and document analysis. The data collected were analyzed by SPSS 26 version of computer program to compute percentages, mean and pie-chart also used referential statics (reliability test, regration , Anova test were employed). It was found that the availability and utilization of ICT facilities for teaching purpose in secondary schools of the woreda was very low and for effective utilization of ICT facilities different factors were observed. There were no differences in perception among teachers and students to use ICT facilities for teaching and learning purpose. The Major challenges observed by schools were poor perception of ICT facilities and the utilization of ICT facilities, shortage of computers, absence of internet access, lack of finance (budget for maintenance), weak management of ICT infrastructure, absence of training offered to teachers, lack of computer laboratory rooms, absence of school based ICT policy, lack of qualified IT teachers and technical assistants. It was concluded that the availability of ICT infrastructure in silti woreda is not in adequate level and ICT facilities were not effectively utilized in the teaching and learning processes, school leaders, woreda, zone & regional government had not fully supported the ICT program to integrate ICT in teaching and learning processes. It is thus recommended that, the schools administrative bodies, woreda, zone and regional government should support the schools by supplying necessary ICT facilities for schools. They should also provide technical support and training opportunities for principals, & teachers through workshop, in-service training