Connecting Disconnects: Investigating Digital Literacy in Primary and Secondary Public Schools in the Machakos Region of Kenya
Erika Mann, Emily Tock · Journal of Library Administration · 2025
This article discusses a research project designed to establish a framework for a sustainable and practical digital literacy program for regions and populations that experience the effects of digital inequity. The study focuses on integration of computer skills and digital literacy training into school curriculum in an environment of low internet and technology access in schools in the Machakos region of Kenya. The initiative began with the development and implementation of digital literacy curriculum and evolved into a research project that investigates educators’ perspectives on digital literacy and information and communication technology (ICT) integration in schools. The researchers collected data from surveys and interviews given to educators at three public schools in the Machakos region of Kenya in summer 2023. Analysis of the data suggests there is a disconnect between the educators’ perspectives on the importance of ICT and digital literacy and the lack of resources available to implement ICT and digital literacy training. Based on this analysis, the researchers plan to expand and diversify their data pool, adapt the digital literacy curriculum in collaboration with Kenya educators, and determine methods of collecting data that may reveal the long-term effects of digital literacy training on students. The researchers will take these measures to further the program’s ultimate goal of positively impacting students and their communities by increasing digital literacy.