Abstract:
The rapid growth of the global economy and the information-based society has
pressurized education systems around the world to use ICTs to teach the knowledge and
skills students need in the 21st Century. The growth of the ICT sector has challenged
teachers to prepare for effective use of new teaching and learning tools in their profession.
This study sought to examine teacher experience and qualifications as well as student
ICT competencies (skills and knowledge). The mixed method approach was employed
for the study. A total of 352 respondents made up of 8 principals, 24 tutors and 320 teacher
trainees from all the eight colleges were sampled. Data is gathered through open-ended
questions that provide direct quotations with the interviewer as an integral part of the
investigation. Three research questions guided the study. The research questions were
answered using charts, frequency and percentages. The findings established that that the
intensive use of ICT and the process-oriented learning environment supported the
development of students’ expertise in ICT and enhanced students in critical thinking
skills. The study recommends that students should be involved in using ICT in learning
activities such as doing assignments, taking quizzes, and searching the internet for
learning resources among others.
