A lot of research has been done everywhere in the world on the use of ICTs in the classroom - whether or not teachers are using it, how they are using it, whether or not it is making in difference on learner's performance, etc. etc.
Looking at the South African environment specifically, my concern is that we are spending a lot of time (and money) to find out more about the use of ICTs in education and how ICTs can enhance teaching and learning BUT while all this research is being conducted, too many learners are still exposed to "traditional classroom teaching" in environments where the infrastructure is there, yet the teachers are not willing (or able) to use it.
Dealing with perceptions: In Higher Education, for example, there is a perception that "online learning" is synonymous to "distance learning". I agree that it is a suitable medium for distance learning. However, residential students and lecturers can benefit as much from online learning as distance education students. To illustrate the value of online learning for distance learning students, click this URL and watch a 2-min video clip currently available on Youtube: . How can we take these insights and "carry them over" into ANY teaching and learning environment?
What do the students say? Maybe we should show this very short clip to more lecturers and teachers? What do you think? (It was created by a couple of students in the USA):
In my school teachers are still very reluctant to use ICT's to enhance teaching and learning. The majority of teachers still use the blackboard and teach the traditional way.
ReplyDeleteI think,in general, it is very difficult for people to step out of their comfort zones, and so, for teachers, it will take a very long time to step out of the box and try something new. Maybe this will only happen with a new generation of teachers in the next 10 - 15 years . . .
I agree with you completely. I personally think that, if we want the current teachers corps to start their buy-in sooner, there should be a whole drive at and within individual schools to get teachers to see the advantages of using ICTs in their specific subjects. In other words, follow a more personal/individualistic approach.
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