CONSTRAINTS FACED BY TEACHERS IN USING COMPUTERS TO MANAGE STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC RECORDS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ROMBO DISTRICT, TANZANIA

Abstract

This study investigated constraints faced by teachers in using computers to managing students’ academic records in public secondary schools in Rombo district, Tanzania. This study was guided by Venkatesh’s Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Convergent parallel design under mixed research approach was adopted. Purposive and stratified simple random technique were used to obtain 122 respondents where by 108 were teachers, 10 were heads of schools and 2 district quality assurers. Instruments of data collection were questionnaires, Interview guide and observation guide. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively using mean, standard deviation, frequency tables and percentages, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. Research ethics were observed whereby sources of information and anonymity of respondents were strictly adhered. The study found out that teachers in public secondary schools in Rombo district are faced by number of limiting factors towards computer use for managing students’ academic records. Such constraints are like teachers lack skills and knowledge on computers, resistance to change for teachers, shortage of funds for proper integration of computers in education at schools, lack of motivation for teacher to use computers, lack of interest for teachers on computer use for records management, insufficient technical support for teachers at schools, no relevant software especially in records management, unclear ICT policy in education and lack of time for teachers to use computer. The study conclude that the constraints identified in the study restrict teachers to use computer for proper usage of computers to manage students’ academic records. The study recommended that, the Government should come up with practical strategies to ensure that teachers make use of computers to simplify and improve effectiveness in education especial in a crucial area of managing students’ academic records.