Technology and its impact on learning, training and talent development: A focus on praise and worship teams in evangelical churches of Eldoret, Kenya

Abstract

This paper explores negative consequences resulting from the use of technology with a specific focus on non-formal and informal channels of learning, training and talent development in evangelical churches of Eldoret, Kenya. The paper equally underscores the returns on investment gained in areas where musical operations have been technologically aided. However, the case is not the same in the area of performing arts as exemplified in this paper. The methodology of data collection employed relied heavily on personal interview, non-participant observation and participant observation during praise and worship sessions. A survey was carried out in twelve evangelical churches based in Eldoret town for a period of six (6) months. The results reveal that while it was expected that technology would make learning and training easier, the case is different in the area of performing arts and musical arts education in that; most youth are not investing physical energy and time in learning how to play instruments. Instead they are relying on computer generated beats and other computer generated surrogate musical instruments in their musical practice which has seen a big decline in the growth of talent in the area of playing instruments.