Implementation of the policy on ICT integration in teaching and learning : a case of a public teachers’ college in Tanzania

Date of Award

2012

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

First Supervisor/Advisor

Dr. Nicholas Wachira

Second Supervisor/Advisor

Dr. Marriote Ngwaru

Department

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

Abstract

Around the world education systems are pursuing policies that embrace pedagogical integration of ICT in education as a means to develop a competitive human resource, for the global knowledge economy jobs and careers. In Tanzania, the ICT policy in Education has been developed to initiate the integration of ICT in teaching and learning at various levels of education in an attempt to prepare its citizenry for the knowledge economy. Data was collected in an empirical study about the implementation of the policy on ICT integration in teaching and learning by tutors in a public Teachers’ College. Multiple methods were adopted for data collection including: survey, interviews, focus group discussion and document analysis. Analysis was done using the Knowledge ladder conceptual framework of ICT levels of integration. Findings reveal that; despite government provision of ICT infrastructure and training of tutors, majority of tutors had limited understanding of how ICT can be integrated in their teaching. Tutors not only lacked knowledge of the goals of the ICT integration policy but also lacked the necessary aptitude and knowledge to support the adoption of the ICT policy. It was also found that the current ICT implementation cascaded model where some expert tutors are relied upon to train other tutors on skills and knowledge of ICT integration, the limited ICT infrastructure and tutors attitudes towards ICT have contributed to low level of ICT integration in the TC. This study, therefore, recommends a more integrated and holistic approach in preparing tutors to adopt ICT.

This document is available in the relevant AKU library

Share

COinS