MSIT Theses and Dissertations (2011)

Permanent URI for this collection

http://hdl.handle.net/11071/1447

Browse

Browsing MSIT Theses and Dissertations (2011) by Subject "Education"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Assessment of the Impact of ICT Education on the Livelihoods of Students from Tertiary Institutions In Kenya:
    (2013-11-15) Wamicha, Elizabeth W.
    Over the last few years there has been a surge in the number of ICT courses available to the market. A higher number of citizens are now taking up these ICT to get well paying jobs or get promotions within their jobs all with the aim of increasing their overall livelihood. This study examined a sample of ICT courses available in the market. This study went on to determine the variables that affect the livelihoods of the students using the livelihoods model and data obtained from responses of a sample group of fulltime and part time students and alumni. The study then developed a framework that can be able to further analyze the impact of ICT tertiary education on the livelihood of the student. The study used the livelihoods model as the conceptual model. The variables used in the study were derived from this model. These variables included the vulnerability context, the human, social, physical and financial capital of the student and the policies and processes of the tertiary institution. A purposive sampling technique was used during the data collection process. The sample was made up of fulltime and part time students and alumni. The findings of the research were mainly the need for universities to become less autonomous and develop relationships with industry and with top universities. The proposed model can be used in assessment of impact of livelihoods of the students and can be applied in the following parts by the tertiary institution. The first part is the determination of the vulnerability context within which the student operates, followed by the second part that is the methods which the institution can use to maximize the human, social, financial and physical capital of the student. The third part outlines the adjustment of institutional policies and procedures to go hand in hand with market demands for graduate students. The fourth part which is the livelihood strategies involves a feedback mechanism for current and past students which the universities can use to monitor the performance of their students once they enter the job market. The outcome of the use of the proposed framework is strengthened relationships with industry and with top universities worldwide and increased accountability to stakeholders of the university which include the students, the teaching staff, the industry and the government with its vision 2030 project.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    An e-learning infrastructural model for Kenya's higher education sector
    (Strathmore University, 2011) Mbuthia, Isaac M
    The problems that plague the higher education sector in Kenya have become a major talking point in the news media, academic forums and even in social forums. The fact that the country is unable to cope with the increasing demand for university education is a reality that requires an elaborate and effective solution. It is on this premise that this research work was undertaken. The main objective of this study was to explore the socio-economic and education related problems that qualified students face while seeking university education in Kenya and to assess whether and how e-learning could mitigate those problems. The research adopted qualitative and applied research methodologies in fulfilling the research objectives. The research methods included questionnaires, interviews and written texts and documents. The target group of the first two methods was the post Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) students who have qualified for admission to universities to undertake degree courses but have not secured any places. The research assessed the adoption of e-learning in various countries as well as the infrastructural components that would be required to implement a proper e-leaming platform. Data was gathered to assess the level of access by the post-KC SE students to certain infrastructural components such as the Internet and computers. Based on the findings of the research, an e-learning infrastructural model was developed that would best serve the higher education sector in Kenya. The research recommends that universities adopt the proposed infrastructural model of e-learning to widen the level of access to university education in the country.