Computer Technological Change and Its Implication on Information and Communication Technology Training: a Case of Selected Technical Training Institutions in Nairobi Area, Kenya

The more frequently Computer hardware and software technology is upgraded, the more computer obsolescence occurs. Educational institutions must keep in pace with these rapid technological developments being experienced in the computer industry for meaningful Information and Communication Technology training. As computer technology improves, the computer user is forced to make the decision about upgrading his or her computer system, operating system and/or application version all too often. This ‘forced’ obsolescence has a profound effect on the individual from the standpoint of being at the cutting edge of technology at all times. In Kenya, a number of cloned and branded computers are making entry into the classrooms for ICT training, probably not aware of the motive by the ‘west’ to politely transfer the burden of disposal onto these needy institutions, since computer donation is same as computer dumping. The study adopted survey design. The data was collected from purposively sampled public technical training institutions offering ICT courses within Nairobi region. Students, teachers, ICT administrators and computers were randomly and systematically sampled to obtain research raw data through questionnaires, observations and interviews. The quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS in which Chi-square and t-test techniques were applied at level of 0.05 significance testing. The analysis was done to establish how suitable are these older version computers, acquired by or existing in technical training institutions, in covering the syllabus for ICT courses in technical training institutions within the total recommended time frame and particularly the practical lessons. This study was guided by the theory of Constructivism that postulates that knowledge is not a fixed object; it is constructed by an individual through his or her own experience of that object. The results show that modern computers enhance good performance in ICT courses. Based on the findings, recommendation is made on the use of branded computers rather than cloned ones for ICT training. Suggestions for further research include trapping the computer virus menace.