Principal’s Computer Application Skills as a Determinant of Computer Use in Administration of Public Secondary Schools in Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship that existed between principals’ computer application skills and computer use in administration of public secondary schools in Kiambu County. Computer use in schools administration is a contemporary issue in the improvement of quality leadership in schools. The study was triggered by the need for effective leadership in schools which would lead to improved academic performance in Kiambu County.Methodology: The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The target population for this study was all the 307 principals of public secondary schools in Kiambu County. The study sample comprised of 205 principals which translated to 67% of the target population. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used in the selection of the respondents. A questionnaire was used for data collection. Relationship between the two variables under study was established by use of spearman rho. Pearson’s Chi- square test of independence with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to test the null hypotheses. Findings: The study found out that principals’ possession of computer skills influenced the use of computers among school principals. Unique contribution to the theory, practice and policy: The study recommended provision of computer skill courses relevant to administration work, and ICT technical support to advise school principals on usage and maintenance of computers and review of both teacher preparation and staff development programs to ensure that universities and Teacher Training Colleges provide pre-service and in-service training programs to enable school principals to successfully use computers carrying out administrative tasks. The study further recommended that the government should develop a policy framework for training all educators/education officers on computers and ICT applications in Schools.