Utilizing Information and Communication Technologies to Enhance Teaching and Learning: The Case of Alfred Nzo East District, South Africa

Abstract

This paper aimed to explore the utilisation of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) for improving teaching and learning within the Alfred Nzo East District, South Africa. This research adopted a qualitative approach guided by a case study design. The study population consisted of all educators and students from two schools within the Alfred Nzo East District. The sample size comprised two (2) school principals, eight (8) teachers, and ten (10) students from both schools. In the Alfred Nzo East District, quintile 1 schools were the focus of the current study. In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted using an open-ended interview schedule to assess the extent of ICT integration in enhancing teaching and learning within the selected schools in the Alfred Nzo East District. Local teachers were included in the study, and participants’ viewpoints were acquired through interviews, which helped to crystallize the findings. The themes derived from participant responses were analysed, revealing several factors influencing the implementation of ICTs, including discrepancies in resources between rural and urban schools, network connectivity issues, limited availability of ICT equipment, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient support from the Department of Education, lack of computer training workshops, and the remote location of many schools within the district. The results of this study could help guide more extensive research projects in the future. This study contributes to knowledge on ICT-enhanced teaching and learning. Keywords: Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs), Teaching, Learning, Alfred Nzo East District