Experiences of teachers and learners in the teaching and learning of computer studies at grade 9 level in selected secondary schools in Luanshya district, Zambia
Date
2017
Authors
Kabundula, Pelekelo
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The thrust of the study was to investigate experiences of teachers and learners in the teaching and learning of computer studies at junior secondary school level in three selected secondary schools of Luanshya District. The objectives of the study were to: Investigate experiences of teachers and learners in the teaching and learning of computer studies, establish the benefits of teaching and learning of computer studies and ascertain challenges faced by teachers and learners in the teaching and learning of computer studies in Luanshya District. A sample of nine (09) teachers and thirty (30) learners was purposively drawn from three secondary schools in Luanshya District. Interpretive phenomenological research design was utilised. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions, and non-participant observation. Data was anlysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.
The study found that teachers and learners experienced the teaching and learning of computer studies was done twofold, theory and practice and this positively empowered them with various long life technological skills such as browsing, typing and researching via internet. The study also revealed benefits of computer studies to teachers and learners such as; increased participation in research; modified methods of teaching and learning from teacher-centred to learner-centred promoted individualised learning, interactive atmosphere, communication skills, new administration functions, teaching and learning of other subjects; and shaped the entrepreneurial career aspirations.
Furthermore, the study found that teachers and learners faced challenges such as lack of teaching and learning equipment other ICT facilities; incidences of power outages; lack of modern school computer laboratories; inadequate trained personnel; negative attitudes from parents toward the teaching and learning of computer studies; lack of funding from Government; limited time; overcrowding of classes; and high rate of theft of computers in schools.
In view of the foregoing, the study recommended that Ministry of General Education should embark on more sensitisation campaigns through the holding of educative workshops of computer studies, purchasing of relevant teaching and learning materials, incorporating the teaching and learning of computer studies for teachers at university and college levels in order to enable them fully utilise available computer and ICT facilities in schools, empowering schools with funds to purchase generators and need for modern and well equipped school computer laboratories.
Key Words: Experiences, Computer Studies, Junior Secondary School Level, Teaching
Description
THESIS M.ED
Keywords
Education--Effect of technological innovations on information technology--Study and teaching--Zambia , Education technology--Benefits and challenges--Zambia