Innovation in Language Learning

The purpose of this study was to investigate the place of SWAHILIHUB in the development of Kiswahili language in Kenya. Although precious studies have used the Diffusion of innovation theory, not much has been done to specifically use Rodgers’ (2003) Diffusion of innovation theory to determine the level of adoption of SWAHILIHUB as a new innovation in Kiswahili. This study therefore more specifically set out to investigate aspects of SWAHILIHUB that enhance the Kiswahili language development; discuss the various efforts at integrating Kiswahili into various websites; to investigate the rate of adoption of SWAHILIHUB as a new innovation among Kiswahili stakeholders, find out the prospects and the challenges that the users of SWAHILIHUB encounter in its use in enhancing Kiswahili professionally. This study was guided by the Diffusion and innovation theory. The diffusion and innovation theory shows how, why and at what rate new ideas and technology spread at different stages in the society. The target population of this study involved SWAHILIHUB managers, lecturers and students of Kiswahili in universities in Kenya. Simple random sampling and stratification was used to select a representative sample. The study adopted a descriptive survey design in conducting field work. Questionnaires, observation guides, interview schedules and document analysis were used in data collection. Data  analysis was done both qualitatively   and quantitatively by use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23. The study investigated aspects of SWAHILIHUB that enhance the Kiswahili language use; discussed the various efforts at integrating Kiswahili language into various websites; found out the rate of adption of SWAHILIHUB as a new innovation among Kiswahili stakeholders, and challenges that the users of SWAHILIHUB encounter in its use in enhancing and developing Kiswahili. Based on the findings of the study, appropriate recommendations were made to improve the use of SWAHILIHUB in enhancing the use of Kiswahili as an online digital platform.