A framework for effective ICT utilization in teaching in Uganda’s secondary schools

Abstract

This thesis presents the design, validation, and evaluation of a framework aimed at enhancing the utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching within secondary schools in Uganda. The study addresses critical challenges such as limited digital literacy, inadequate infrastructure, and fragmented systems that hinder effective ICT integration in educational settings. Through a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, the research identifies key components essential for ICT usability: system interoperability, user accessibility, infrastructure readiness, and data security. Empirical findings, validated through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), reveal significant relationships between these components and teaching effectiveness. System interoperability emerged as the most influential factor with a path coefficient of 0.38, followed by user accessibility (0.35), infrastructure readiness (0.30), and data security (0.29). These coefficients underscore the critical role of well-integrated and secure ICT systems in enhancing teaching practices. Additionally, prototype testing demonstrated high levels of user satisfaction, with 100% of experts agreeing on the ease of use and 93.3% strongly endorsing the platform's resource management capabilities. The study also highlights the practical implications of the framework, showing that 86.7% of experts validated its seamless integration with existing school systems. Furthermore, 80% of respondents strongly agreed that the reporting tools provided meaningful insights into teaching performance, affirming the framework's potential to transform educational delivery and management. These results collectively validate the framework's effectiveness and its potential for wide-scale adoption in Uganda's secondary school system. In conclusion, this research offers a robust, empirically validated framework for ICT utilization in teaching, addressing both technical and functional challenges. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to ICT integration in education. The framework's success in improving teaching effectiveness and its alignment with national education goals position it as a vital tool for advancing digital transformation in Uganda's educational sector.