School administrators’ experiences in using ICT innovations to enhance records management in selected government aided primary school in Rubaga Division, Uganda

Abstract

The study sought to assess how the technological experiences of school administrators in using ICT innovations enhance records management in selected government-aided primary schools in Rubaga Division. The study was guided by three objectives which included; To explore the technological experience awareness of primary school administrators in using ICT innovations in records management within Rubaga Division. To explore the Primary school administrators experiences in handling data privacy while using of ICT innovations in records management within in Rubaga Division and to identify the suitable practices for the effective use of ICT innovations in records management within primary schools in Rubaga Division. Using a descriptive case study design, data were collected from 12 participants with the help of interviews, observation and document analysis. The study revealed that school administrators in the government-aided primary schools of Rubaga Division have some technological experiences which enables them manage school records. The study also found that there are a number of challenges affecting the primary school administrators’ usage of ICT innovations in records management. The study further established suitable practices for the effective usage of ICT innovations in records management. The researcher concluded that; the effective management of records calls for school administrators who are technologically well retooled. This can only be possible in an environment which nurtures passion for technology usage in records management. The environment in primary school was found less compatible to the effective usage of technology to manage records. The physical environment was lacking the basics to facilitate the school administrators’ usage of technology to manage records. The successful implementation of technology use in records management calls for a well laid policy frame work which was nonexistent. Therefore, the researcher recommended that; primary schools should be financed to acquire the basic and modern technological devices in records management. School administrators should be given opportunities for bench marking to get the practical touch on how technology is used in records management. Tax exemption on technology devices should be implemented to ease the acquisition of the necessary devices.