Authors :
Sothery S. Nchimbi; Kassimu A. Nihuka
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 8 - August
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/5ym2a9zw
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/3fcmfzam
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25aug1546
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Note : Google Scholar may take 30 to 40 days to display the article.
Abstract :
This study explored challenges of using Tablets for school administration in public secondary schools in Songea
District Council. Tablet technology is increasingly being embraced in education as a means of minimizing administrative
tasks, improving communication, and managing data. However, effective implementation is marred by various limitations
that this study aims to explore and offer solutions to. The study used Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) (Davis, 1986 ).
With a convergent mixed-methods design, the study employed both probability and non-probability sampling technique to
select 79 teachers, 6 Heads of Secondary Schools, 6 Ward Education Officers, District Secondary Education Officers (DSEO,
DPPEO), and 2 District ICT Officers (DICTO). Data collected using interview guides and questionnaires were then analyzed
descriptively. Findings indicated that technical problems, inadequate training, limited storage capacity, and inadequate
internet connectivity are significant hindrances to the successful use of tablets in managing schools in public secondary
schools in Songea District Council Results also indicated that there is resistance to the adoption of tablets by some teachers
and administrators because of low digital literacy, preference for customary approaches, and insufficient technical support
It is suggested, from the findings, that school managers such as heads of schools, ward education officers, and district
education officers require adequate training on the effective use of tablets for administration in public schools coupled with
provisions of improved infrastructure, and conducive supportive policies.
Keywords :
Tablets, School Administration, Challenges and Public Secondary School.
References :
- Alihaji, A., Bakari, S. M., & Ngwali, M. M. (2024). Integration of tablet use into teaching and learning in Micheweni District secondary schools. Journal of ICT in Education, 9(2), 45–57.
- Barakabitze, A. A., et al. (2019). Transforming ICT education in African higher education institutions. International Journal of Education and Development Using ICT, 15(3), 163–182.
- Bolaji, H. O., & Jimoh, H. A. (2023). Usability and utilization of ICT among educational administrators in secondary students in public school. Indonesian Journal of Educational Research and Technology, 3(2), 97-104.
- Chilufya, M. (2022). Understanding the application of ICT in the administration of secondary schools in Lusaka, Zambia. International Journal of Educational Management, 36(1), 89–103.
- Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319–340.
- Gonzales, A., Smith, B., & Lumumba, P. (2020). Evaluating Nigeria’s Smart Schools Initiative. African Journal of Technology in Education, 8(4), 55–70.
- Kebwaro, J. M., et al. (2024). Integration of ICT in education: Lessons from Kenyan schools. East African Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 5(1), 12–23.
- Kibirige, I. (2023). Primary teachers’ challenges in implementing ICT post-pandemic in Uganda. STEM Education Review, 14(2), 34–49.
- Kweka, K., & Ndibalema, P. (2018). Barriers to ICT adoption in secondary schools: A case of Hanang District. Tanzania Journal of Education and Development, 3(2), 61–74.
- Masunzu, L. S. (2024). The Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Management of Secondary Schools in Tanzania: The Case of Urambo District Council (Master's thesis, University of Dodoma (Tanzania).
- Mwakapemba, M. R., et al. (2024). ICT integration policy implementation in Tanzanian public schools. African Journal of Educational Technology, 6(1), 20–31.
- Ngodu, M., Kiwango, D., & Rweyemamu, F. (2024). Digital teaching initiatives in Tanzania: Progress and pitfalls. International Review of ICT in Education, 12(1), 23–39.
- Nikolopoulou, K. (2020). Secondary education teachers’ perceptions of mobile phone and tablet use in classrooms: benefits, constraints and concerns. Journal of Computers in Education, 7(2), 257-275.
- Nzilano, J. L. (2025). An investigation into the factors influencing ICT adoption and use in the administration of secondary schools in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 11, 101500.
- OECD. (2018). Teaching for the Digital Age: Effective Approaches for ICT Integration. OECD Publishing.
- Prosper A., & Nderego, E. F. (2024). Tablet use in Tanzanian primary schools: Competencies and challenges. International Journal of Educational Research and Development, 10(1), 78–91.
- Reddy, V., Moodley, K., & Maistry, N. (2022). Barriers to tablet implementation in South Africa. Journal of Education Policy and Planning, 18(2), 100–117.
- Shekaoneka, L., & Arthur, W. (2024). Challenges to Effective ICT Implementation in Primary Education Development Projects in Tanzania: A Case Study of Songea District. NG Journal of Social Development, 14(2), 266-281.
- Vachkova, M. (2021). The role of mobile technology in education administration. European Journal of Educational Management, 7(2), 87–96.
- Venkatesh, V., & Bala, H. (2008). Technology Acceptance Model 3 and a research agenda on interventions. Decision Sciences, 39(2), 273–315.
- Venkatesh, V., & Davis, F. D. (2000). A theoretical extension of the Technology Acceptance Model. Management Science, 46(2), 186–204.
This study explored challenges of using Tablets for school administration in public secondary schools in Songea
District Council. Tablet technology is increasingly being embraced in education as a means of minimizing administrative
tasks, improving communication, and managing data. However, effective implementation is marred by various limitations
that this study aims to explore and offer solutions to. The study used Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) (Davis, 1986 ).
With a convergent mixed-methods design, the study employed both probability and non-probability sampling technique to
select 79 teachers, 6 Heads of Secondary Schools, 6 Ward Education Officers, District Secondary Education Officers (DSEO,
DPPEO), and 2 District ICT Officers (DICTO). Data collected using interview guides and questionnaires were then analyzed
descriptively. Findings indicated that technical problems, inadequate training, limited storage capacity, and inadequate
internet connectivity are significant hindrances to the successful use of tablets in managing schools in public secondary
schools in Songea District Council Results also indicated that there is resistance to the adoption of tablets by some teachers
and administrators because of low digital literacy, preference for customary approaches, and insufficient technical support
It is suggested, from the findings, that school managers such as heads of schools, ward education officers, and district
education officers require adequate training on the effective use of tablets for administration in public schools coupled with
provisions of improved infrastructure, and conducive supportive policies.
Keywords :
Tablets, School Administration, Challenges and Public Secondary School.