The role of networked computers in the enhancement of teaching and learning

Abstract

Computers are widely used for educational purposes with a belief that they have the ability to improve learner performance and how teachers teach. Most commonly, computers in schools that embrace such technologies are being used to develop and present neat and legible documents amongst teachers, learners and the administration staff. The professional interaction between the administration staff, teachers and learners is inevitable in a school environment. A professional interaction in this context means using these technologies for communication, information sharing, and accessing of centralised information. Since the introduction of Outcomes-Based Education, the Department of Basic Education and business entities have supplied computers to schools in an effort to improve the standard of education in the country. This paper examines the role of networked computers in the enhancement of teaching and learning in schools. The study was of a quantitative nature and used a questionnaire as a data gathering instrument. The reason behind the study was to draw a line between the benefits of networked computers and stand alone computers used in schools. The study was conducted in three schools in the Ditsobotla district in North West province, South Africa . The results gave the impression that networked computers benefited users more than stand alone computers.