Date of Award

2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

First Supervisor/Advisor

Fredrick Mtenzi

Second Supervisor/Advisor

Peter Kajoro

Department

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

Abstract

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has pedagogical advantages that can help teachers design, teach, and assess biology lessons. The aim of this study was to explore how teachers integrate ICT during the teaching of Biology at A-level classes in Songwe region, Southern Tanzania. The research site of this study is one public advanced-level secondary school in the Mbozi district. The purposive sampling technique was used to get the sample comprising two, A-level biology teachers, one ICT technician, one laboratory technician, and six students from A-level classes who were persuing a science subject combination known as CBG (Chemistry Biology Geography). This study used a qualitative approach whereby observation, interview, and focus group discussion were the major instruments for collecting data in the field. Data obtained was analyzed thematically based on research questions. The study's findings show that although most teachers lack an ICT background, they have a positive attitude towards the use of ICT in education and at least include ICT in their teaching methods. However, according to the teachers, barriers such as insufficient ICT tools and sporadic electricity often limit the successful integration of ICT in teaching biology at A-Level classes. To tackle these challenges, the study recommends that adequate ICT tools should be available in schools, installing Wi-Fi in schools to address the issue of a weak internet connection. Furthermore, the school needs to invest in a diesel or petrol backup generator to solve the issue caused by the power outage. Finally, Colleges and universities should train teachers with the necessary ICT skills for them to be equipped with digital literacy. This will go a long way in ensuring that teachers of biology at A-level secondary schools integrate ICT right from planning, teaching, and assessing the students. This will eventually culminate in improved learning outcomes in biology.

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