Information technology as an instructional tool in the teaching of mathematics in secondary schools : perceptions of educators and learners in the North West Province

Abstract

The title of this research study is: Information technology as an instructional tool in the teaching of mathematics in secondary schools: Perceptions of educators and learners in the North West Province of the Republic of South Africa. This research study was intended to study the role played by information technology as an instructional tool in high schools and the challenges associated with the integration of information technology in the teaching and learning of mathematics in high schools: The research study sought to investigate the following research questions: Is information technology an effective instructional tool to teach secondary school mathematics? What are the perceptions of educators and learners regarding the use of computers in mathematics lessons? What are the challenges faced by educators and learners when using Information technology in the teaching and learning of mathematics? This research study drew its population from all high schools in the Mafikeng, Zeerust and Lichtenburg Districts of the North West Province, which used computers in teaching. A sample of eight high schools was used; two in the Zeerust District, two in the Lichtenburg District and four in the Mafikeng District. This research sample was made up of mathematics and computer studies educators and learners from the chosen secondary schools. Two questionnaires were used for the purposes of data collection. One of the questionnaires was intended to study the perceptions of learners on the use of information technology in teaching and learning mathematics and the other was intended to study the perceptions of educators on the use of information technology in mathematics education. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were used to analyse the research. The main findings of the research study were that: The majority of educators (76%) regarded information technology as an effective instructional too.] in the teaching and learning of secondary school mathematics . , Educators were generally not well trained to use information technology as an instructional tool and that there was a shortage of hardware and software due to financial constraints in high schools. I have recommended that: The Department of Education, in conjunction with the Faculty of Education of the North West University should organise in-service programmes on the use of information technology as an instructional tool in the teaching and learning of mathematics. More research studies are required in the development of relevant and appropriate software for use in the teaching and learning of mathematics. In conclusion, the researcher hopes that the use of Information technology will go a long way in enhancing the learning and teaching of mathematics in high schools throughout the North West Province of the Republic of South Africa.