The impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on the teaching and learning of Economic and Management Science (EMS) in Grade 7 under Moletlane Circuit, Capricorn South Africa

Abstract

The impact of ICT in schools has become important because it affects the day-to-day operations of schools. It improves and influences the effectiveness of teaching and learning. This study aims to establish the impact of ICT on the teaching and learning of EMS in Grade 7 classes of the Moletlane circuit in Limpopo Province, South Africa. This was accomplished by employing a qualitative research approach aided by an exploratory research design. The data collection methods involved the face-to-face interviews with semi-structured questions and classroom observations. Moreover, approximately eight (08) teachers and forty-two (42) learners in five (05) schools in the primary schools of the Moletlane circuit were purposively selected. Overall, fifty (50) participants formed the sample unit of the study. The collected data were analysed using thematic content analysis (TCA) to identify study themes and subthemes for both teachers and learners. Constructivism Learning Theory (CLT) and Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML) served as the lens of the study. Some of the themes from the findings, as expressed by the teachers, included access to ICT equipment, usefulness of machines, problems encountered when using the equipment and strategies to overcome the problems of using the equipment effectively and ICT training. Furthermore, the learners expressed the following as concerns: “accessibility of equipment at home, availability of equipment at school, usefulness of the equipment at school and problems encountered when using the equipment at school.” The findings of this study also identified a lack of access to ICT equipment and a shortage of computers and laptops as challenges encountered by teachers and learners. As such, this results in a lack of knowledge or inability to use ICT at schools. Furthermore, numerous teachers have shown a lack of understanding of the use of ICT and rely on other teachers with ICT qualifications to teach using ICT equipment in the classroom. As a result, they affect learners’ development, as they depend on few but not all teachers to implement ICT. The study further revealed poor internet connectivity and loadshedding as the leading challenges that derail progress when students must use ICT equipment at school. The study recommends that the School Management Team (SMT) educate parents and teachers about the impact and importance of ICT use. For recommendations, the responsible stakeholders should introduce ICT workshops and training for the development of the school. The Department of Education should provide an adequate number of computers and laptops to avoid shortages and a lack of progress in their daily work activities. The study further recommends that management install WIFIs with good network coverage and updates teachers with the loadshedding schedule to avoid disappointment. This study sheds light on how schools can successfully implement ICT and benefit from the use of ICT integration.