Implementation and adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT) in schools in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District

Abstract

Technology has been globally seen as an enabler to transform 21st century classrooms. A number of provinces in South Africa including the North-West Province have introduced the use ICT in classrooms to ensure the integration of technology in the process of teaching and learning . Some schools in the province piloted the use of tablets as platforms of teaching and learning with the intention of steadily replacing the conventional chalkboard with digital learning technology. This study sought to explore the views of teachers in sampled schools of Mahikeng in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District. Moreover, the study focuses on factors which are associated to the use of ICT for teaching and in sampled secondary schools in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District. Through a mixed methodology research approach, questionnaires and interviews, were used for collection of both qualitative and quantitative data from study participants based in these schools. Semi-structured interviews were used in imploring the teachers' views. A questionnaire was also administered to a representative teacher sample size of 30 teachers across four schools. Data collected was analysed through a thematic analysis. The conclusion of the research findings demonstrate that even if the substantial number of teachers accept and somehow support change, ideas and innovations in education , the integration of ICT can present both uncertainty and benefits in the teaching and learning environment. Some teachers maintain that, devoid of suitable training , computers will expose their inadequacies in the classroom. Contrary to this, the younger teachers were more permissive of the changes than their older counterparts who found the introduction of ICT overwhelming . The study's conclusions demonstrate that the achievement of digital technology in classrooms are also dependent on teacher expertise as well as adequate support and training towards ICT use in schools.