The use of information communication technology in the classroom to enhance teaching and learning at selected Secondary Schools in Limpopo Province

Abstract

This study explored the use of information communication technology (ICT) to enhance teaching and learning in selected schools in Limpopo Province of South Africa. The study examined how ICT could be used to the advantage of the educator and learners in the classroom. The research is important because of the need to shift from teacher centred to learner centred approaches through using technology in the classroom. In addition, today’s learners are different from those of 20 years ago in that they are inquisitive and want to discover knowledge on their own. In the past twentyfive years that the researcher has been a teacher, she has seen a significant change in the learners’ attitude towards education. The current learners are energetic, enjoy change and are opposed to traditional teaching approaches that focus on rote learning. This qualitative research implemented the principle of life-long learning to increase a variety of educational mediums and promote the learners’ technology literacy. The research also sought to encourage the culture of learning through the development of learning skills. To achieve the study objectives, a case study design which is an aspect of qualitative research, was adopted. This led to a naturalistic inquiry which allowed the researcher to collect data by interacting with selected individuals in their everyday setting. The study exploits the constructive-interpretivist paradigm because this enabled the researcher to critically explore the use of ICT in enhancing teaching and learning at secondary schools. Data was collected through interviews with participants. Subsequently, the data was analysed to gain in-depth understanding about how educators implement and ensure quality teaching and learning through the use of ICT in the classroom. Data was transcribed verbatim and then grouped according to different themes. The research findings indicate that the use of ICT in the classroom promotes teaching and learning. ICT is an innovative tool which also allows diverse perspectives to emerge, enabling learners to develop a group identity.