Effects of Technology Practical Management in Teaching and Learning on Students’ Skills Acquisition in Public Secondary Schools with in Rwanda, a Case of Kicukiro District

Abstract

The adoption of technology in education has gained significant attention globally due to its potential in enhancing teaching and learning experiences.  This study aims to examine the effects of technology practical management in teaching and learning on students’ skills acquisition in secondary schools of Rwanda. The specific objectives were: to assess the effect of using computer in teaching and learning for students’ hands on skill, to investigate the influence of using multimedia resources in teaching and learning for active involvement and practical problem solving skills of students, to examine the effects of using internet on students to access to wide variety of information and critical thinking skills and to assess the effects of using technology on students’ competence skills and readiness to competitive market place. This research is hoped to provide information to policy makers about the advantages of using technology in supporting the current CBC approach and acquiring practical skills to students. This research employed descriptive and correlation research design and the target population was 2100 including 2000 students from 4 schools, 4 school head teachers, 96 teachers teaching in secondary schools and this helped to draw a sample of 336 respondents. purposive sampling was used to sample 4 headteachers while stratified random sampling was used to sample 15 teachers and 317 students. To collect data, interview was addressed to headteachers and teachers while questionnaires were addressed to students. Validity and reliability were tested using pilot study and internal consistency methods like Cronbach's alpha coefficient to make sure that instruments result in consistent and trustworthy data. Quantitative data were analyses using SPSS version 22 and descriptive statistics like frequencies, means, standard deviations while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic approach. Data from students, teachers, and headteachers reveal that using computers in education enhances students' practical skills, including typing and word processing at 93% with mean 4.66 and 0.51 S.D, and basic programming at 81%, which are valuable for academic and career success. Additionally, 92% of students reported that multimedia tools like projectors boost engagement and attention in class with mean 4.47 and 0.50 standard deviation. Internet access further enriches students’ learning by expanding access to information and promoting critical thinking at 99%. Overall, technology use in Kicukiro District's public secondary schools strengthens students' skill sets and prepares them for competitive job markets at 100% with mean 4.96 and standard deviation of 0.73. The study recommends that Students should actively use digital tools to explore and practice skills beyond traditional assignments. Teachers are encouraged to integrate technology into hands-on learning activities that simulate real-world tasks, helping students develop practical skills. Headteachers should offer regular training for teachers to effectively implement technology in practical lessons. Policymakers should allocate sufficient funding to equip schools with essential technology, especially in under-resourced districts, to support practical learning. By implementing those recommendations, technology integration can be improved which in turn lead to overall educational outcomes.