International Journal of Education and Development using ICT

International Journal of Education and Development using ICT > Vol. 17, No. 1 (2021)

The Role of IT Professional Certifications in Instructors' Teaching Quality

Kaanael Simon Mbise, Institute of Accountancy Arusha

Abstract
This study investigates the role of information technology (IT) professional certifications in IT instructors' teaching quality in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Tanzania. The study was conducted at the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA) involving IT academic staff with at least one IT professional certification. The study used a case study research design whereby mixed methods for data collection and analysis were employed. A questionnaire was used as the main data collection method supplemented by an interview. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The results of the study suggest that IT professional certifications play an important role in IT instructors' quality of teaching and the certifications improved teaching quality, raised self-confidence, kept professional skills updated, improved preparation of lesson plans and instructional materials, enhanced delivery techniques, and improved setting of competency-based learning activities. The results also suggest that the availability of certified IT instructors could have an impact on improved student performance in courses.

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