Assessment of the Impact of ICT Education on the Livelihoods of Students from Tertiary Institutions In Kenya:
Date
2013-11-15
Authors
Wamicha, Elizabeth W.
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Abstract
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.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Information Technology in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the award of a Master of Information Technology degree
Keywords
ICT, Education, Tertiary Institutions, Students