Kenya is investing in information and communication technology (ICT) to improve children's learning outcomes. However, the literature on ICT is pessimistic about the ability of ICT alone to improve outcomes, and few ICT programs have created the instructional change necessary to increase learning. The Primary Math and Reading (PRIMR) Initiative implemented a randomized controlled trial of three ICT interventions to enhance learning outcomes: tablets for instructional supervisors, tablets for teachers, and e-readers for students. All three showed significant impacts in English and Kiswahili above the results of the control group. The impacts of the three interventions were not statistically significantly different from each other. Based on the findings, we recommend that Kenyan policy makers embed ICT interventions in a larger instructional reform, using ICT to support particular instructional improvement challenges. We also suggest that policy makers incorporate empirically derived cost-effectiveness analysis into investment decisions, to ensure that ICT provides value for money.
IntroductionMonitoring and Evaluation is a very important aspect when carried out appropriately at the correct time and it is one of the record significant aspects of ensuring project sustainability. Monitoring and evaluation has been increased in the subsequent years due to the increasing demand from donors to NGOs to ensure the long-term sustainability of their implemented projects (Niringiyimana, J. 2014). Several studies have shown that for this to be effective, then monitoring and evaluation practices have got to be centered on project beneficiaries.Monitoring refers to the continuous process of collecting and analyzing information during the project life cycle so as to determine how well a project or program is being implemented against the projected results (Chand, S. 2016). Monitoring is also defined as a continuing practice by which beneficiaries obtain systematic feedback on the development being made towards attaining the set goals and objectives (UNDP, 2009). Generally, it aims at providing stakeholders with regular feedback and early indications of progress or lack in the achievement of the desired goals.Evaluation is the regular and unbiased assessment of a continuing or completed project, program or policy, its strategy, implementation and outcomes. (Freeman, K.M. 2010). Evaluation provides useful information to stakeholders and enables the incorporation of lessons learned into decision making processes of both recipients and donors. It documents outcomes, assesses effects and solicits understanding about what was achieved and why, the feedback provided leads to innovations that influence important changes in future projects and the NGO.Monitoring and evaluation refer to separate practices that are aimed at assessing the NGOs performance. They are one of the tools that help project managers to identify whether the set goals during project implementation are being achieved according to plan, and when conditions need to be changed. Monitoring and evaluation also helps to determine if there is proper utilisation of resources and provides decision makers with a strategy to plan for project sustainability and guidance for future projects. This makes monitoring and evaluation a key tool in ensuring the sustainability of NGO funded interventions and it has been observed to contribute greatly to project success.
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