Challenges and opportunities of the introduction of computer studies in schools: the case of selected public secondary schools in Lusaka district.
Date
2022-07-06
Authors
Mwansa, Patricia Muchengwa
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Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
This dissertation investigated the challenges and opportunities of the introduction of Computer Studies in Schools: the case of selected public secondary schools in Lusaka District. The objectives of the research included; identifying the challenges that schools were facing in the teaching and learning process of Computer Studies in Lusaka District; establishing the academic performance of learners taking Computer Studies in their final examinations in Lusaka District; and finding out what measures were supposed to be put in place (if any) to promote quality teaching and learning of Computer Studies in schools in Lusaka District.
The researcher employed both qualitative and quantitative research techniques in this study. This research was largely influenced by the Maslow‟s Hierarchy of Needs theories. The important findings of the research were that schools were facing similar challenges in terms of teaching and learning of Computer Studies. These challenges largely included shortage of computers, lack of teaching and learning materials, lack of furniture, lack of space in computer laboratories, poor internet service, and poor teacher preparedness to teach.
In terms of the factors that were exacerbating these challenges, the findings of the study revealed; lack of funds to procure computers, furniture, teaching and learning materials; lack of trained teachers; and inadequate space in computer laboratories. On the question of academic performance, it was revealed that schools performed better in the 2016 ECZ examinations than in 2017. Thus, there was a gradual decrease in the performance of the learners. On measures to enhance the academic performance of the learners, the study revealed that there is need to source for more funds to procure teaching and learning materials; and building spacious computer rooms. Also, there was need to recruit trained teachers or build the capacity of existing teachers and also motivating the pupils to take the subject seriously.
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Keywords
Computer studies--Education. , Computer science--Study and teaching. , Social sciences--Study and teaching--Data processing--Juvenile literature.