Contribution of Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure in Supporting Technological Advancement in Public Secondary Schools in Longido District Council, Tanzania

Godfrey P. Kira & Kennedy Omondi Otieno
St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Arusha
Email: godypaul40@gmail.com/ omondiken2016@gmail.com

Abstract: This study investigated the contribution of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure in supporting technological advancement in public secondary schools in Longido District Council. The objectives were to; explore how available ICT infrastructure supports technological advancement and determine strategies for improving ICT infrastructure for technological advancement in public secondary schools. Technology Acceptance Model Theory guided the study. Convergent mixed methods design was adopted. Target population was 4335 (4050 students, 271 teachers, 13 school heads and one District Secondary Education Officer (DSEO). The sample size was 200 respondents (98 students, 91 teachers selected by stratified and simple random sampling while 10 school heads and one DSEO obtained through purposive sampling techniques). Questionnaires and interview guides were used for data collection. Validity was established through expert judgment. Reliability of questionnaires determined using Cronbach Alpha Method in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 generated coefficient r = 0.759 for Students’ Questionnaire and r=0.757 for Teachers’ Questionnaire. The trustworthiness of the interview guide was ensured through triangulation and peer debriefing. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze quantitative data and results were presented in tables. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically alongside research questions and presented in narrative forms. The study revealed that teacher training is essential for effective integration of ICT in teaching and learning. In conclusion, strategic planning and needs assessments at the school level are essential for successful ICT integration. The study recommends partnership between the government and private sector entities to supplement public investment in ICT.