Integration of ICTs in education: the level at which ICT training should be introduced in Zambian education.
Date
2011
Authors
Chisunka-Mwila, Chitundu P.
Daka, Kaoma L.
Mulauzi, Felesia
Njobvu, Benson
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Zambia Library Association.
Abstract
The role that Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) play in every sector of the economy cannot be overemphasised. Be it in health, education, governance among other sectors of the economy. In today’s changing world, there has been a recognition that there is need to integrate ICTs in Education. This is because of the worldwide recognition that ICTs can improve both the learning and teaching processes for both the learners and the teachers respectively. However, it is not clear at what level ICT Training should be introduced in Zambia. Should it be done as early as pre-school, basic school, high school or should it be introduced at tertiary level? The purpose of this study was to investigate the level at which ICT Training should be introduced in Zambia. This study was highly qualitative in nature. 14 learning institutions were purposively selected mainly in Lusaka, Zambia inclusive of institutions ranging from preschool to tertiary in both government and the private sector. The data was collected using focus group discussions, interviews and questionnaires. Focus group discussions were done for teachers and learners respectively. In addition, self administered questionnaires were answered by school managers and teachers and IT persons or IT teachers in schools where they exist. There were also some interviews done. The results are reported and include proposed levels at which ICTs should be in introduced Zambian Education with reasons why as well as why they should not be introduced at certain levels, how ICT Training is done in Zambian institutions of learning and the challenges faced in ICT training.
Description
Keywords
Information and communication technologies (ICTs). , ICT education. , ICT curriculum. , , Training. , Education. , Teaching and learning.