Perceptions of educators on ICT integration into the teaching and learning of economics
Abstract
This study explored educators’ perceptions of the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the teaching and learning of Economics. Guided by an interpretive paradigm this qualitative study used a case study design. The purposively selected sample comprised eight Economics teachers, selected from four public Secondary Schools, located in KwaZulu Natal (Umlazi district). Data were collected using three instruments (semi-structured interviews, observations, and document review). From the findings, it emerged that teachers had the positive perception that ICT integration positively affects the teaching and learning of Economics and it promotes the teaching of Economics. However, the findings also showed that teachers face challenges in integrating ICT when teaching Economics. Contrariwise, the findings further revealed that some teachers, due to the lack of ICT skills, perceive ICT integration as a waste of time and thus, they remain attached to the traditional teaching methods, which hinder the use of ICT in teaching Economics. Based on the findings, the study recommends that teachers should be workshopped to enhance their ICT skills, there should be school-based ICT specialists to promote ICT integration in teaching, and also the education system should make ICT subjects compulsory from grade R- to grade 12, so that both teachers and learners get used to ICT gadgets.
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