THE DEVELOPMENT OF A FRAMEWORK FOR THE USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the development of a framework for the use of Information and Communication Technology in the classroom. It was clear from the study that teachers lack Information and Communication Technology (ICT) capability, and should therefore be trained and retrained. While they are expected to produce quality education, they are also expected to receive training which is a time-consuming exercise and often makes teachers want to give up on the implementation of ICT in the classroom. If teachers were to use ICT in the classroom, it would change the passive role of the learners in which they merely receive knowledge to a more active role where they construct their own knowledge. In addition, teachers would have the opportunity to connect with experts, and have access to global resources. Teachers should be motivated to use ICT to improve the quality of their teaching. This, together with proper ICT skills, would ensure the effective use of ICT. To ascertain the effective use of ICT by teachers, research was conducted in ten secondary schools in Bloemfontein. A random sample of 30 secondary school teachers was drawn from ten schools. A mixed methods approach was used to the collect data, i.e. qualitative (questionnaires) and qualitative (interviews). Questionnaires were administered to the participants and were then followed by unstructured interviews. The research participants were selected randomly from the study population in an unbiased manner to produce quantifiable, reliable data. Mix methods designs provide advantages when a researcher is exploring complex research questions. The findings of this study revealed that teachers have a positive attitude towards the use of ICT, and that it enables better teaching standards and educational outcomes. Teachers also have barriers that hinder them from using ICT in the classroom.