Effective integration of ICT to facilitate the secondary education in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been the phenomenon of the 21st century and its growing advances continue to play a vital role as an ideal tool to acquire, store, disseminate and apply knowledge than ever before. Thus, the integration of ICT in diverse business processes has increased the importance as an imperative source of economic growth in the rapidly changing knowledge economy. The paper mainly explores potential barriers towards the effective integration of ICT and its impact on the performance of the secondary education. A structured survey questionnaire gathered empirical data from a random sample of teachers from selected schools in the North Central Province (NCP) of Sri Lanka. Results show very low integration of ICT in schools and teachers ICT competency. ICT infrastructure, leadership support and school planning are revealed as major organizational constraints for the effective integration of ICT in schools. In contrast, respondents' fairly positive attitudes towards ICT indicate potential future developments. Comparative findings revealed that ICT education and English language proficiency are significant demographic predictors of ICT utilization. Results also reported a positive impact of ICT on teachers job performance.