A Scalable Framework for Optimising ICT Integration in Public Secondary Schools: Evidence from Ilemela Municipal, Tanzania

ABSTRACT: This study developed a practical and scalable framework for optimising Information and Communication Technology (ICT) integration in public secondary schools, drawing on evidence from selected schools in Ilemela Municipal, Tanzania. The study responded to the persistent gap between the physical presence of ICT resources and their systematic use in teaching, learning, assessment and administration. Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model and the Resource-Based View, the study adopted a pragmatic philosophy and an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Quantitative data was obtained from 150 teachers, ICT coordinators (focal teachers), and school administrators, while qualitative evidence was collected from 10 purposively selected school-level stakeholders. Descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression and thematic synthesis were used to identify the requirements, priorities and implementation conditions of the framework. The regression model demonstrated strong explanatory power (R = .797; R² = .635; Adjusted R² = .611; F (9,136) = 26.264, p < .001). Technical support and maintenance, funding and sustainability, teacher capacity building, and ICT infrastructure emerged as the most important statistically significant predictors of integration. Descriptive and qualitative findings further revealed limited student access, inadequate devices, weak maintenance capacity, insufficient recurrent funding and uneven institutional readiness. The resulting framework links foundational inputs coordinated implementation processes, technical and contextual moderating factors, immediate outputs, medium-term outcomes and long-term impacts. It also proposes a five-phase scaling pathway based on readiness assessment, minimum functionality, capacity development, operational integration, monitoring and progressive expansion. The paper argues that scalability should not be interpreted as uniform replication of equipment packages, but as context-sensitive growth in functional, pedagogically meaningful and sustainable ICT use. The framework offers an evidence-based planning, implementation and evaluation guide for schools, education authorities, policymakers and development partners seeking to strengthen digital transformation in resource-constrained secondary education systems. Keywords: ICT Integration, Scalable Framework, Public Secondary Schools, Teacher Digital Competence, Technical Support, Tanzania.