Attitude and Self-Efficacy as Determinants of ICT Integration in Implementing Competency-Based Education in Junior Schools, Rangwe Sub-County, Homa Bay County, Kenya

Abstract

The new Competency-Based Education (CBE) has identified digital literacy as one of the core competencies. This is intended to prepare learners for 21st-century job-related tasks that demanded innovation and creativity. However, effectively integrating ICT in teaching and learning has been a daunting task. This study interrogated the integration of information communication technology for effective implementation of the competency-based curriculum. More precisely, the survey aimed to determine the degree to which attitude, and level of self-efficacy influenced effective implementation of CBE in junior schools in Rangwe Sub-County. The study was guided by Technology Acceptance Model. The research design adopted a mixed method approach. The target population comprised 101 head teachers, 205 junior school teachers, and 101 public junior schools in the Rangwe Sub-County. The study selected 30% of junior public secondary school heads of institutions and teachers using a stratified random sampling. The sample size was 101 respondents comprising 33 heads of institutions and 58 teachers. Instruments were questionnaires and interview schedules. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data. The qualitative data was analysed thematically. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the connection between independent and dependent variables. Notably, the study findings revealed that attitude and level of self-efficacy influenced effective implementation of CBE in junior schools. The study recommends prioritized investments in post-training mentorship, school-based coaching, peer-support systems to promote positive attitudes toward ICT, and empowering teachers with high ICT self-efficacy to act as digital champions or mentors within their schools. Significantly, the study influences junior school ICT integration policies with a view of better integration strategies.