Abstract:
Despite the numerous impact studies reported in the literature, the impact of ICT
use on student learning outcomes remains difficult to measure and open to much reasonable debate
especially when it is preceded with an educational technological initiative This study sought to
explore the impact of an Africa Digital Schools ICT-intervention on learning outcomes of 542
students from six project participating countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study adopted an
online survey evaluation tool in which a semi-structured questionnaire followed by a focused group
discussion was used to conduct a robust evaluation of project impact on student learning outcomes.
Findings revealed that the ICT initiatives and its package were well received and patronized by the
student target groups and were the reasons for students improved learning outcomes demonstrated
in their reported improved attitudes, developed competencies and behavioural changes in the use
of computers. Nevertheless, the findings showed that essential conditions required to support the
sustainability of project ideas to school levels were seemingly not adequate. The study therefore
advocates the need for implementers of ICT initiatives or research projects in Sub-Saharan
countries and countries of similar contexts to ensure that enabling conditions for the continuous
use of innovations are provided in order to foster an effective adoption as well as support long-term
goals.
