Factors Influencing Senior Secondary Students’ Selection of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Subject

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a highly significant role in today’s technological world. Accordingly, through successive educational reforms implemented in Sri Lanka, ICT has been introduced and implemented as a school subject. As one of the optional subjects offered in Grade 10, various factors influence students’ selection of ICT. In recent years, the selection rate of ICT has been observed to be very low among Tamil-medium provincial schools in the Colombo South Education Zone. Against this background, the present study was conducted with the objective of identifying the factors influencing students’ selection of ICT. This study followed a descriptive survey design and adopted a mixed-method approach. The study population consisted of 200 senior secondary students studying in four selected schools, and data were collected from all of them. In addition, four principals, four deputy principals, seven subject teachers, and twenty parents were selected as the sample. Quantitative data collected through questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, while qualitative data obtained through interviews and discussions were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that among student-related factors influencing ICT subject selection, personal interest, the need for future career opportunities, parental guidance, prior knowledge of ICT from Grades 6–9, social recognition, proficiency in English, and understanding of ICT subject content (M = 3.5–4.5) had a very high level of influence. Among school resource-related factors, laboratory facilities (M = 3.9, SD = 0.85) had a very high level of influence. Among teacher-related factors, the suitability of teaching methods, individual attention given by the teacher, immediate correction of exercises, encouragement during learning difficulties, and preparation for examinations (M = 3.4–4.5) had a high level of influence. Among parent-related factors, parental encouragement and the provision of guidebooks (M = 3.5–4.4) had a very high level of influence. The study further suggests that providing appropriate awareness and guidance to students and parents regarding the importance of ICT in contemporary life and the world of work, as well as information about future educational pathways, can increase students’ interest in selecting the ICT subject.