TEACHERS’ PERCEPTION ABOUT INTEGRATION OF ICT TOOLS INKISWAHILI LANGUAGE PEDAGOGY IN HOMABAY COUNTY, KENYA

ABSTRACT
The use of Information Communication and technology is a prerequisite for global competitive quality education, training and research for development in the 21st century. This study aimed at assessing Kiswahili teachers’ perceptions towards integration of ICT in the teaching and learning of Kiswahili among secondary school Kiswahili language teachers in Kasipul sub county, Homabay County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were; to investigate teachers’ perceptions towards the use of ICTs in teaching and learning of Kiswahili; to establish the levels of ICT usage among teachers during the teaching and learning of Kiswahili and to explore the challenges encountered by teachers and learners in integration of ICT in teaching and learning. The study targeted 52 Kiswahili teachers, 24 principals of secondary schools and 2140 learners. The study was guided by constructivism theory and adopted a descriptive survey design. Stratified proportional sampling was used in selection of schools while purposive sampling was used to select teachers and principals in these schools. Learners on the other hand were randomly selected. Data collection instruments included questionnaires for the teachers, interview schedules for principals and observation schedules. Reliability of the instruments was tested through piloting in one school in a neighbouring Sub County. Data was analyzed through descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages and presented inform of tables and figures. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. The study found out that Kiswahili language teachers had positive perception towards ICT usage in teaching and learning. The study also found out that to some extent integration of ICT in teaching and learning was influenced by factors such as age, gender and competency levels. Based on these findings, this study recommended that schools be equipped with adequate ICT facilities and resources. Kiswahili language teachers and student teachers should be trained on how to integrate ICTs in their teaching and learning activities.

Keywords: Integration of ICT; Teachers Perception; Kiswahili Language