Adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Tanzania Vocational Education and Training (VET) Industry: A Catalyst for Vocational Education and Training Effectiveness and Employment Opportunities?

Abstract

The study was done in Vocational Training Centre. General Objective is to investigate the extent adoption of ICT influence instructors’/learners’ competencies and employment. Specific objectives were to investigate instructor’s professional development, knowledge and skill development in ICT and programmed contents and to determine benefit gained by using ICT in instruction and in employment. Survey research design was adopted. Interviews, observation and documentary review data collection methods were used. Data collection instruments used were interviews questions, questionnaires, observation and documentary review guides. Software Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze data. The study revealed that respondents 90(78%) attended professional training on basic applications including introduction to computers. Other courses included Ms Word processing attended by 70 respondents (58.3%), Ms Excel attended by 35(28.2%), presentation of software attended by 26(21.7%) and respondents 30(21%) attended training on integration of technology into curriculum. Findings on ICT Knowledge and skills revealed that respondents 36(36%) have good skill in operating Word Processing Application, 32(32%) were good in file handling, 32(32%) had moderate skills on operating systems, 32(32%) had moderate skills in the area of using web search engines and 54(54%) cannot use database application and Computer Assisted instruction programs. Findings revealed that there were achievements from using ICT during instruction and students’ learning. Benefits from ICT adoption included increase of curiosity among trainees, creativity among trainees/instructors and team work/collaboration improvements. There are few employment opportunities for VTC graduates. Conclusively, adoption of ICT catalyzed VET delivery. The recommendations include: ICT budget increase and improvements of ICT environments.