Impact of ICT-Driven Teacher Professional Development for the Enhancement of Classroom Practices in South Africa: A Systematic Review of Literature

Abstract

Education is critical to the development of any country. The quality of education depends on the quality of teachers in the education system. Studies affirm that the initial teacher education that teachers enter the teaching profession with, is not enough to sustain the education system. Hence, there is a need for continuing life-long learning for teachers to keep abreast of their profession. Seemingly, teachers play a significant role in the integration of ICT into teaching and learning. Therefore, adequate and regular professional development of teachers is paramount to the use of learning technologies in classrooms. This study employed a systematic review of the literature to explore the impact of teachers' exposure to ICT through professional development activities on teaching and learning success. The TPACK framework was adopted as an underpinning lens to understand the phenomenon. The study affirms that the professional development of teachers should be situated within ICT pedagogical and content-related content to capacitate teachers' ICT knowledge and skills. Hence, teachers' ICT knowledge enhances classroom instructional delivery, using various learning technologies in teaching and learning. The study recommends adequate and regular capacity building for teachers with ICT training, while teachers should be supported with ICT gadgets and resources. Follow-up should be designed to ensure teachers’ adoption and use of ICT for teaching and learning in South African schools, to familiarise their learners with various learning technologies, and to enhance their academic performances.

Received: 17 April 2023 / Accepted: 29 July 2023 / Published: 5 September 2023