Pupil’s atittudes towards ICTs integration in a social studies classroom: a case of Azele Guze village Zambia
Date
2017-05
Authors
Lufungulo, Enala Sharon
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ResearchGate
Abstract
The use of information and communication technologies (ICT)s in education systems in Zambia has
become more popular especially in urban areas. Additionally, it has been realised in recent years
that there are immense benefits in applying ICTs in the social studies classroom. Among others, the
benefits include enhancing pupils’ levels of understanding and attainment in social studies.
Consequently, the Ministry of General Education (MoGE) and some non- governmental
organisations (NGOs) such as iSchool and Impact Network, advocate for, and promote the use of
ICTs in the classrooms. A case in point is that of Waseka Primary school in Katete rural district in
a Village called Azele Guze. The aim of the study was to find out pupils ‘attitudes towards ICT
instruments used in a social studies classroom. The study was guided by the theory of Diffusion of
Innovation which is one of the most utilized theories in the studies related to ICTs integration in
education. In this theory, Rogers (2003) asserts that the adopter’s attitude is a crucial factor for
adoption of a new technological innovation. Thus, the attitude pupils portray towards the ICTs used
in the classroom, might influence the success or failure of such an intervention. The study used a
case study design, qualitative methods and instruments of data collection were also used for the
purpose of collecting in-depth information. The findings revealed that children of Azele Guze
Village attending school at Waseka primary hold positive views towards the use of ICTs in the
learning of Social Studies. As a result, attendance and performance of the pupils had greatly
improved. The study further showed that although there were ICTs available in the classrooms,
they were not adequate to the extent that each pupil could have one and use at the same time in the
classroom. Resulting from the findings, the study recommends that the MoGE should enact the ICT
draft policy, which will give proper direction and guidance to schools and stakeholders on the
Ministry’s official position regarding the use of ICTs in education. Further, it is recommended that
the school managers should take a proactive role in collaborating with government and other nongovernment organisations to lobby for support in the supply of necessary ICTs instruments to be
used during teaching and learning processes.
Key Words: Pupils, attitude, information communication technology (ICT), social studies
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
ICT--Study and teaching--Zambia , Social Studies--Study and teaching--Zambia