Mobile Based Application For Curriculum Content Delivery In Kenyan Primary Schools

The growth of technology specifically the mobile devices has been exponential and this is evident in the growth of smart phones and mobile devices around the world. The growth has also encouraged its usage in educational environments such as in schools. In several countries the smartphones have been introduced in the various schools so as to aid in learning and many other different benefits. In Kenya, the government through the digital literacy programme, has provided tablet devices to various schools in the country. There are however challenges of delivery of the curriculum through the devices. This study looks at the challenges in delivery of curriculum content in one of the primary schools within Nairobi in Kenya and proposes a mobile based application for use in curriculum delivery. The aim is to advance knowledge of mobile learning using mobile applications in developing countries. The study employed design science research in the development of the proposed artifact. An initial survey was used alongside the literature review to identify functional requirements for the system. This initial survey revealed there were challenges experienced in the current curriculum delivery initiatives used in the school. From the sample surveyed, the students felt that: the current teaching methods employed were not suitable; current delivery was not helpful and there was lack of new ways to help the students learn better. The literature review provided knowledge on mobile learning and the challenges that have been experienced in the development of mobile applications for learning. Further, the application was subject to evaluation for relevance. The evaluation of the application was undertaken by a convenience sample population of one class that comprised of 28 primary school students and 5 teachers. The general outcome affirmed that the mobile application can be utilized to deliver learning content in primary schools. It will be valuable for primary schools to consider utilization of mobile technology to help supplement and improve efforts towards efficient and effective curriculum delivery.