Exploring the Level of Information and Communication Technology Services and Use in Secondary School Library Media Centres in Kuwait: An Interpretive Case Study Research

Abstract

The integration of information technology in education has, in the last thirty years, changed from being non-existent to being a fundamental part of a developed education system. A successful School Library Media Centre (SLMC) is central to education. A typical SLMC aims to provide a broad range of printed and nonprinted resources. The technology phenomenon has a new, dynamic role in supporting the learning environment in the SLMC. Schools and school library media centres in developed countries have evolved widely and have an advanced level of ICT integration. On the other hand, educational organisations in Kuwait have, to date, failed to realise their ICT potential. The purpose of this thesis is to explore the provision and use of information and communication technology (ICT) applications and services in secondary schools, and especially in SLMCs, in Kuwait. The study focuses on the school community (teachers and pupils) and their skill with, and knowledge of, ICT. There has been no previous research that has investigated the availability and use of ICT in secondary schools in Kuwait, so this study aims to fill this gap. In order to thoroughly understand the phenomenon, an interpretive case study approach has been adopted and, therefore, multiple data gathering techniques have been utilised. In order to research the subject within its proper context, two bodies of pertinent literature were reviewed, from both developed and developing countries. The data gathering instruments showed remarkable findings. The research argues that the SLMCs were maintained as mere storehouses with meagre ICT integration. Overall, the results indicated there was a significant lack of ICT related services in Kuwaiti schools. Most of the teachers and pupils showed a reasonable knowledge of ICT. The results also showed that integration of ICT services into SLMCs was strongly advocated by headmasters, teachers and pupils alike. To conclude, the results highlight the need to better understand the importance of new environments in education. The research argues the need for Kuwaiti policymakers to provide a groundbreaking policy to improve the current situation. Although the research is limited to Kuwaiti secondary education, the study may be equally applicable to other educational organisations in many analogous developing countries.