dc.description.abstract | Cloud Computing technology has developed with the proliferation of the Internet,
broadband access networks and high-speed processors. This has led to the development of
software defined networks and storage, to respond promptly to the requirements of users
and applications. Information and communication technologies when employing cloud
computing can open up new opportunities that can improve delivery of education. In
financing the acquisition of ICT technologies for integration in education in Kenya, there
is need for proper planning to realize accessibility of ICT Integration in education. The
purpose of the study was to model the use of cloud computing so as to make ICT integration
in primary school education accessible. These was achieved by assessing the ICT
technologies being used for integration, analyzing the human capacity for managing ICT
integration, developing a cloud computing environment model towards accessible
integration of ICT and a cloud computing accessibility evaluation tool to assess the level
of accessibility of ICT integration in primary schools. The study was guided by the design
science research design. The design was used in the study to do a background research in
order to collect data on the ICT technologies being used in schools and the ICT human
capacity for managing the technologies. It was then used to develop a model. The target
population was (425) Primary schools. The sample frame included 100 schools which had
ICT equipment. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the schools where a
sample size of (30) was obtained. A head teacher (1) and two (2) teachers from each school
were used in the study corresponding to (90) respondents. The primary data was collected
using questionnaires and guided interviews. To stablish content and face validity the study
involved a team of three (3) experts while reliability was obtained through a pilot study.
Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found out
that, hardware devices dominant in schools were mostly laptops, tablets and projectors.
The learning management system was found to be the most important system required for
accessible ICT integration in education. It was also found that technical skills were highly
required, followed by basic hardware skills and green Computing skills. Training in ICT
is thus required to develop a competent human capacity for successful accessible ICT
integration in education. The study also established that Internet connection in schools was
very key in the integration process yet many schools were not connected. The findings of
the study provides an Integrated Cloud Computing Environment Model that can used to
realize accessible ICT Integration in education. This will guide the government and
education stakeholders in planning for ICT integration of in primary schools. The model
was used to develop a Cloud Computing Accessibility Evaluation Tool that can be used by
the MOE to assess ICT integration accessibility level in primary schools. | en_US |