Availability of digital simulation resources for teaching abstract biology concepts in public secondary schools in Baringo North Sub-County, Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64171/JAES.6.5.15-23Keywords:
Abstract Biology concepts, Biology education, Digital resources, Digital simulations, Secondary schoolsAbstract
Despite the growing integration of digital technologies in education, inadequate access to appropriate digital resources may constrain the teaching of abstract Biology concepts involving processes that are difficult to observe directly. This study investigated the availability of digital simulation resources for teaching abstract Biology concepts in public secondary schools. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised 50 teachers of Biology and 5,894 Form Three learners in public secondary schools in Baringo North Sub-County, Kenya. A sample of 45 Biology teachers and 350 Form Three learners participated in the study. Data were collected using a teachers’ questionnaire and an observation checklist. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS Version 27. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations, were used to summarize the data, while a one-sample chi-square goodness-of-fit test determined whether observed availability differed significantly from the expected 50.0% distribution. The findings indicated that digital simulation resources were moderately available, with 60.0% of the observed resource indicators available. This proportion was significantly higher than the expected 50.0%, χ²(1) = 36.00, p < .001. However, important gaps persisted in Biology-specific simulation software, curriculum-aligned digital content, adequate computers, learner access, backup power, ICT technical support and classroom utilization of digital simulations. The study concluded that effective integration requires more than basic ICT infrastructure and recommends strengthening access to functional devices, curriculum-aligned simulations, technical support, reliable power and continuous teacher training to promote equitable and sustained use of digital simulations in teaching abstract Biology concepts.
References
Akinbobola AB, Afolabi FF. Assessment of the impact of digital simulation on the teaching of biology in secondary schools in Nigeria. Journal of Educational Technology and Society. 2018;21(3):105-117.
Baringo North Sub-County Education Report. Annual education performance report. Baringo County, 2022.
Garcia M, Lee S. Promoting collaborative learning in high school Biology: The role of digital simulations. Journal of Science Education and Technology. 2023;32(3):456-472.
Johnson R, Smith T, Doe J. Enhancing Biology education with digital simulations: A study of student outcomes. International Journal of Science Education. 2018;40(7):803-821.
Jones R, Smith A, Williams L. The integration of digital simulations in secondary school Biology education: A survey of current practices. Journal of Educational Technology & Society. 2018;21(3):45-56.
Kabugi SW. Challenges to teaching and learning of Agriculture in secondary schools in Kakuyini Division, Kangundo District, Machakos County. Unpublished Master's Thesis, Kenya University, Kenya, 2013.
Kachi JW, Samikwo D, Jeruto P. Effectiveness of virtual laboratory-based instruction on students’ academic performance in Biology in Likuyani, Kakamega County, Kenya. Global Educational Research Journal. 2025;13(9):401-409.
Kamukama N, Nyeko M. Digital simulation resources in Ugandan secondary schools: Adoption and challenges. African Journal of Educational Technology. 2022;14(2):45-59.
Karambu JH, Omwenga E, Omosa E. Influence of computer simulations on academic performance in Biology in public secondary schools in Kesses Sub-County, Kenya. Journal of Research Innovation and Implications in Education, 2026, 10(1).
Kenya National Examinations Council. The year 2018 KCSE examination candidate performance. Kenya National Examinations Council, 2019.
Kipkoech J, Kiplagat J. Barriers and opportunities in the adoption of digital simulation resources in Kenyan public secondary schools. Journal of Educational Technology and Innovation. 2023;12(1):45-60.
Kumar R, Sharma A. Effectiveness of digital simulations in enhancing Biology learning outcomes in secondary education. Journal of Educational Technology. 2019;15(2):45-58.
Lewis C, Anderson M. Evaluating the effectiveness of digital simulations in teaching Biology concepts in public secondary schools. British Journal of Educational Technology. 2021;52(4):789-803.
Li X, Zhang Y, Wang H. Virtual labs and simulations: Impact on high school Biology performance in China. Asian Journal of Education and Technology. 2021;18(3):112-129.
Litavczová F, Annuš N. Biology school education in the digital era. Information Technologies and Learning Tools. 2025;110(6):80-99. doi:10.33407/itlt.v110i6.6357.
Mgwalu KA, Chiwamba SV, Lupeja TL. Effectiveness of computer simulations in teaching and learning of evolution in Biology: Evidence from secondary schools in Morogoro Municipality. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies. 2025;51(12):415-427. doi:10.9734/ajess/2025/v51i122701.
Mkhize S, Makgato M. The role of digital simulations in enhancing Biology education in South African schools. South African Journal of Science Education. 2019;22(4):200-213.
Mugenda OM, Mugenda AG. Research methods: Quantitative and qualitative approaches. Acts Press, 2003.
Muriithi N, Mutua M. Integrating digital simulations in Biology education: A case study of public secondary schools in Kenya. Kenya Journal of Education. 2019;15(3):22-35.
Mwanik K, Mutisya SM. Specialized subject laboratories and implementation of science and computer studies curriculum in public junior schools in Narok County. Journal of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, 2025, 5(1). doi:10.62049/jkncu.v5i1.420.
Mwangi JM, Wambasi AW, Waititu MM. Teachers’ preparedness to integrate three-dimensional computer animation in teaching deoxyribonucleic acid replication in public secondary schools in Murang’a County, Kenya. Reviewed Journal of Education Practice. 2025;6(1):19-36. https://www.reviewedjournals.com/.
Odhiambo R, Mwaura L. Enhancing Biology learning outcomes through digital simulations: Insights from Kenyan secondary schools. International Journal of Science Education. 2021;43(6):789-805.
Onyango RA, Omwenga E, Andima G. Influence of computer simulations on learners’ acquisition of selected science process skills in public mixed secondary schools in Rachuonyo South Sub-County. East African Journal of Information Technology. 2025;8(2):1-11. doi:10.37284/eajit.8.2.3792.
Patel S, Green J, Thompson P. Assessing the current state of digital simulation resources in secondary school Biology education: Challenges and opportunities. Educational Review. 2023;75(2):167-182.
Smith A, Brown K. Challenges and successes in implementing digital simulations in public secondary schools. Journal of Educational Technology & Society. 2021;24(2):123-139.
Tadesse D, Belayneh K. Challenges and prospects of integrating digital simulations in Biology education in Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal of Education and Sciences. 2021;10(1):63-77.
UNESCO. DigiSchool Kenya. UNESCO, 2024. DigiSchool Kenya.
Yamamoto T, Sato M. Digital simulation tools in Biology education: A study on student engagement and learning outcomes in Japan. International Journal of Educational Research. 2022;21(1):77-89.
