CHALLENGES AFFECTING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ONLINE TEACHING AND LEARNING IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTIONS: A CASE OF SELECTED TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTES IN NANDI COUNTY, KENYA.

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology has grown significantly and affected education practice globally. Institutions use the learning management system to aid online learning. eLearning still faces challenges for its effective use. This study assessed challenges in the implementation of online teaching and learning in selected TVET institutions in Nandi County, Kenya. The objectives of this study were; to assess the trainers’ competence in online learning use, to examine trainees’ ability to access eLearning platforms, to determine the Institutions’ ICT infrastructure preparedness for online learning, and to determine technician’s ICT skills in the implementation of online learning. A descriptive research design was used in this study. Data were collected using questionnaire and interview schedules. A sample size of n=475 for trainers , n=76 trainees, n=8 ICT technicians and n=5 principals were used in this study. Questionnaires were administered to trainees, trainers, and ICT technicians to assess their competence level in eLearning while the principals were interviewed. Data were managed, coded, and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26. The study findings indicated that trainers, trainees had challenges on online learning use. Trainers had challenges in e-content development and use of online learning platform, the inability of trainees to use online learning and inadequate infrastructure to boost online learning in technical institutions. The study revealed that the technicians were competent in facilitating eLearning due to their field of specialization. Institution ICT infrastructure such as slow internet speed, and poor network coverage limited the use of technology for online learning content delivery. Implementing online teaching and learning requires the stakeholders to come together to make online teaching and learning successful. There is a need for the Kenya government to come up with a clear way and guide for proper implementation of eLearning. The study is important for implementation of online teaching and learning in technical institutions.