THE INNOVATIVE USE OF COMPUTER BASED AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY. A LESSON FROM A RURAL ENVIRONMENT

In 2008 the researcher from the Faculty of Education of the University of Pretoria, participated in a research project that evaluated the effect of using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in a cluster of secondary schools in Mpumalanga region, South Africa.
The leading school developed an ICT learning environment that is innovative by integrating smart board and computer technology with interactive communication technology. Through adopting this approach, the leading school was able to reach out to other rural schools in the area in support of Science and Mathematics’ teaching and address the critical shortage of skilled teachers in these subjects in order to improve the quality of teaching offered to senior learners.

The rationale of the research was to evaluate the successfulness of the project and encourage funding for future expanding to other rural areas.

A limited qualitative research study was undertaken to determine the possible impact of the project on the different role players. Observations of broadcasts were followed by interviews with learner focus groups, teachers, organizers and school principals.

Initial findings indicated that interviewed target groups were excited about the innovative use of technology and although not yet conclusive, learners’ marks improved between the April and November examination periods.

This paper will report on the findings and insights gained during the research and recommendations made for future projects.