Challenges Contributing to Poor Integration of Educational Technology at Some Schools in South Africa

Abstract

Information and communication technology (ICT) has the potential of enhancing teaching and learning activities in schools and higher education. Numerous studies demonstrated the potential positive impact of ICTs in teaching and learning, but schools still have challenges in fully integrating ICT in the teaching and learning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent of integrating ICT in their teaching and learning and challenges the schools have in implementing the e-learning strategies at their schools. The participants of this study were six public schools around Pretoria, Gauteng Province in South Africa. Twenty four teachers from 6 secondary public schools who were conveniently selected took part in the study. Data collection instruments included questionnaires and interviews. The findings included poor usage of computers such power-point, word-processing, emails, printing, data storage in both teachers. Teachers did not receive professional computer literacy and training. There should be enough computers at schools, even there are other invention such as delivery of tables in order to supplement each other. There should be regular computer literacy and training for teachers, which also focus on instilling in teachers the interest and relevant philosophy and belief in using ICT in the school curricular.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p1285