ICT Integration in a Multigrade Context: Exploring Primary School Teachers Experiences

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Bibliographic Details
Title: ICT Integration in a Multigrade Context: Exploring Primary School Teachers Experiences
Language: English
Authors: Matshidiso Joyce Taole (ORCID 0000-0002-1398-7946)
Source: Research in Social Sciences and Technology. 2024 9(1):232-252.
Availability: Research in Social Sciences and Technology. Yesilova Mah. Caldiran Cad. 29/11 Etimesgut Ankara, Turkey; Web site: https://ressat.org/index.php/ressat
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 21
Publication Date: 2024
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Descriptors: Elementary School Teachers, Information Technology, Communications, Computer Mediated Communication, Foreign Countries, Teacher Attitudes, Technology Integration, Barriers, Teaching Experience, Classroom Environment, Educational Equipment, Multigraded Classes, Rural Schools, Cultural Context, Access to Education, Teacher Characteristics, African Culture
Geographic Terms: South Africa
ISSN: 2468-6891
Abstract: Technology offers pedagogical affordances that can transformteaching and learning in multigrade classrooms to assist in theprocess of teaching and learning. However, it is challenging forteachers to effectively integrate technology into their classrooms,given the complex and dynamic multigrade context. Thetechnological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) model wasa lens through which to explore teachers' experiences in ICTintegration in their multigrade classrooms in selected primaryschools in South Africa. A case study design guided this qualitativestudy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelveteachers thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The findingsrevealed that access to ICT equipment for teachers and studentsis crucial. This study has found that generally, it is difficult forteachers to incorporate technology into their teaching because ofthe caveats, such as the multigrade context and the rural locationwhich presents issues such as lack of basic technologyinfrastructure, limited training on integrating technology inteaching, time, the teaching context, and support from principals.This study recommends that teachers be trained on ICT usage andgiven the support needed to function effectively in theirmultigrade context. For teachers to be digitally connected andensure ICT integration in the teaching and learning process, theyneed to be equipped with relevant knowledge and skills to usetechnology to transform their teaching and create newopportunities for learning.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2024
Accession Number: EJ1426524
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Technology offers pedagogical affordances that can transformteaching and learning in multigrade classrooms to assist in theprocess of teaching and learning. However, it is challenging forteachers to effectively integrate technology into their classrooms,given the complex and dynamic multigrade context. Thetechnological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) model wasa lens through which to explore teachers' experiences in ICTintegration in their multigrade classrooms in selected primaryschools in South Africa. A case study design guided this qualitativestudy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelveteachers thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The findingsrevealed that access to ICT equipment for teachers and studentsis crucial. This study has found that generally, it is difficult forteachers to incorporate technology into their teaching because ofthe caveats, such as the multigrade context and the rural locationwhich presents issues such as lack of basic technologyinfrastructure, limited training on integrating technology inteaching, time, the teaching context, and support from principals.This study recommends that teachers be trained on ICT usage andgiven the support needed to function effectively in theirmultigrade context. For teachers to be digitally connected andensure ICT integration in the teaching and learning process, theyneed to be equipped with relevant knowledge and skills to usetechnology to transform their teaching and create newopportunities for learning.
ISSN:2468-6891