Assessment of Factors Influencing Use of Computer Technology in Teaching of Mathematics in Public Secondary Schools in Nakuru Town Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

The study assessed factors influencing use of Computer Technology in teaching of Mathematics in secondary schools in Nakuru Town sub-counties, Kenya. Research done in developed countries had found that Computer Technology use in teaching was very little in teaching Mathematics. Its use help students learn by supporting computation and by giving abstract ideas a more perceptible form and therefore significant for Mathematics subject which is poorly performed. Existing literature shows that Computer technology can enhance instruction if basic conditions of teacher experience, provision of computer resources and positive attitude of teachers are met. The purpose of the study was to establish factors influencing use of computer technology in teaching Mathematics. Objectives of the study were to assess: Teacher‟s teaching experience, Computer Technology resources and teachers‟ attitude on use of computer technology in teaching of Mathematics. A descriptive research design was used. The study population was, 60 Mathematics teachers, 25 principals and 1 County Quality Assurance and Standard Officer (CQASO).A sample size for the study comprised of 10 Mathematics teachers, 10 Principals and one CQASO. Questionnaires, Computer Technology Lesson Observational Tool (CTLOT) and interview schedule were the main research instruments. Reliability of the questionnaire was established through test retest method and then accepted at Pearson value of 0.7 and above at alpha of 0.05 and were determined by piloting them in 2 schools forming part of population. Reliability coefficient for (CTLOT) 0.83. Validity of instruments was determined by the supervisors who confirmed adherence of items to research objectives. Data was analyzed by the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to assess factors influencing use of Computer technology in teaching Mathematics. They data were presented in, frequencies, means, and percentages and tables. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically, transcribed, organized and reported in verbatim form. This finding showed that the use of Computer Technology in Teaching of Mathematics is more done by less experienced teachers and teachers‟ acquaintance with computer based resources, technical applications, technological errors associated with computer technology use in teaching, the nature of curriculum and students‟ characteristics are contributing factors to this. However, there were inadequate Computer technology resources and that majority of the teachers had negative attitude towards use of computer technology in teaching. The study recommends that Mathematics teachers should be trained on use of Computer Technology in teaching to enable them have hands on experience. Secondly, teachers should maintain a positive attitude towards integration of computer technology in teaching of Mathematics to accelerate its implementation. Finally, management of Secondary schools should provide adequate computer resources so as to facilitate realization of integration of teaching Mathematics.