Access to and Use of Multipurpose Community Telecentres for Secondary School Students in Sengerema, Tanzania

Abstract

This study examined the extent to which secondary school students access and use Multipurpose Community Telecentre (MCT) resources and services as well as factors which promote or constrain access to and use of MCT resources and services for education requirements among secondary school students in Tanzania. A quantitative  sample of 140 students from four secondary schools in Sengerema was chosen. In addition,  four secondary school teachers and two MCT staff were interviewed as as key informants. The study findings show that MCTs are endowed with resources and services essential for secondary school students’ educational requirements. However, most of the learners do not access and use the MCTs for various reasons. Distance from school/home, students’ lack of awareness of resources and services provided by Sengerema MCT, lack of awareness of the existence of Sengerema MCT and unaffordable prices for accessing and use of MCT resources and services are some of the factors constraining students’ access to MCTs. The study recommends the transformation of ICT policy and regulations to promote a multiplicity of MCTs and transform the existing ones into modern centres with distance learning platforms as well as enough resources for secondary school students. MCTs management invests in programmes to increase awareness among secondary school students on the existence of MCTs and the available resources and services. The government should also give high priority to the advancement of digital literacy training skills for secondary school students in rural areas. This will enhance their ability to use digital technology to access and use MCT resources and services.