Impact of ICT tools on students' discipline in secondary schools in Nyandarua West district, Nyandarua county.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Adoption of new technologies like Information Communication and Technology (ICT) tools has great impact amongst people. Examples of these tools are; computers, mobile phones, digital cameras, television, radio, modems and flash disks, among others. In some situations, some of these tools have been misused in schools, resulting to cancellation of examination results. For example, in the year 2010, two students had their results cancelled in one school in Nyandarua County as a result of mobile phone misuse during the period of examinations. This study focused on the impact of information and communication tools on the secondary school students' discipline. The study was conducted in Nyandarua West District in Nyandarua County, Kenya. Descriptive survey design was used. Targeted population was 5821 students, 1540 parents, 108 support staff and 14 principals. Sampling was done. Students' sampled number was 361 and that for parents was 306. For the actual respondents for the study, a total of286 students and 79 support staff members were used. Sampling was done randomly and stratification done on the basis of sex and class. Data was collected using questionnaires and an interview schedule for 235 parents. Data was coded and then analyzed using SPSS (Version 17). Chi-squire statistical indices were computed and the results compared to the objectives of the study. The results were presented as percentages, tables and charts. Television, radios, mobile phones, computer and cameras were identified and found to be in use in Nyandarua West Secondary Schools. Most of the students relied much on television and radio as these were both found in schools and at home. The level of adoption was 90%. At home students mostly used mobile phones and computers. Through use of television, students were able to have role models through movies and this influenced their conduct both at home and in school as they tended to imitate them. It was noted that students had access to JCT tools at school, at home and at times, it was not known to the parents. The use oflCT negatively affects students' discipline, academic performance and social perspective. In addition, students spend considerable time on JCT tools in areas that are not beneficial. However, ICT tools can be used to enhance students' discipline through selected programmes on guidance and counselling. The researcher recommends that more learner friendly JCT tools be availed to learners to enhance learning in schools. There is need to guide learners on safe use of JCT tools to ensure that they use them in a beneficial way.