Benefits and Challenges that Accompany Successful Integration and Implementation of ICT in Teaching and Learning By: Ratshitanga NT B. Sc. Hon (Computer.

Benefits and Challenges that Benefits and Challenges that Accompany Successful Accompany Successful

Integration and Implementation of Integration and Implementation of ICT in Teaching and LearningICT in Teaching and Learning

By: By:

Ratshitanga NT Ratshitanga NT B. Sc. Hon (Computer Science); H.E.D. (Computer Science) B. Sc. Hon (Computer Science); H.E.D. (Computer Science) University of the North (now known as University of Limpopo)University of the North (now known as University of Limpopo)

Employment:Employment:Senior Support and Helpdesk ManagerSenior Support and Helpdesk Manager

Department of Information Technology ServicesDepartment of Information Technology Services

University of VendaUniversity of Venda

Contact Details:Contact Details:

Cell. no.: Cell. no.: 072 289 2942072 289 2942 Fax no.:Fax no.: 086 661 2468 086 661 2468

Email:Email: [email protected]@univen.ac.za [email protected]@yahoo.com

IntroductionIntroduction

Information and Communication Information and Communication Technology (ICT)Technology (ICT) is the phrase used to is the phrase used to describe a describe a differentdifferent technologies for: technologies for:– gatheringgathering, , – storingstoring, , – retrievingretrieving, , – processingprocessing, , – analysinganalysing and and transmittingtransmitting information, information, ((

http://www.smartstate.qld.gov.au/strategy/strategy05_15/glossary.shtmhttp://www.smartstate.qld.gov.au/strategy/strategy05_15/glossary.shtm; Accessed: 28/06/2008). ; Accessed: 28/06/2008).

ICT has been developed by people to help and ICT has been developed by people to help and ease their lives. ease their lives.

Hence, it is people who must make it work Hence, it is people who must make it work effectively for themselves. effectively for themselves.

The question is, who are the people to make it The question is, who are the people to make it work in the teaching and learning environment.work in the teaching and learning environment.

How do those people benefit when they make it How do those people benefit when they make it work; work;

what are challenges for making it work what are challenges for making it work successfully and successfully and

how can prospective users and current users of how can prospective users and current users of ICT curb such challengesICT curb such challenges

Objectives of the PaperObjectives of the Paper

The author of this paper does not believe that The author of this paper does not believe that schools can use ICT schools can use ICT effectivelyeffectively without without knowing benefits and challenges associated knowing benefits and challenges associated with using ICT in teaching and learning.with using ICT in teaching and learning.

Hence; the objective of this paper is to Hence; the objective of this paper is to discuss:discuss:– benefits of using ICTbenefits of using ICT in teaching and in teaching and

learning; and learning; and – challenges challenges that are faced by schools with that are faced by schools with

regard to implementation and integration of regard to implementation and integration of ICT in teaching and learningICT in teaching and learning

– some of the some of the strategiesstrategies that can be used to that can be used to minimise identified challengesminimise identified challenges

What is effective ICT?What is effective ICT?

By effective we mean a process that generates By effective we mean a process that generates outputs that satisfy customeroutputs that satisfy customer requirements, requirements, ((www.fiu.edu/~pie/sec8appglossary.htmwww.fiu.edu/~pie/sec8appglossary.htm; accessed: 21/06/2008). ; accessed: 21/06/2008).

one need to know what is one need to know what is expectedexpected of of him/herself; otherwise one might end up him/herself; otherwise one might end up deliveringdelivering unwanted results. unwanted results.

Before you make use of ICT to help you in Before you make use of ICT to help you in teaching and learning environment; one must teaching and learning environment; one must first first define what one will like to achievedefine what one will like to achieve. ICT . ICT will be effective if through its usage, one is able will be effective if through its usage, one is able to achieve one’s objectivesto achieve one’s objectives

Effective means making use of ICT to:Effective means making use of ICT to:

Engage and stimulate learnersEngage and stimulate learners Increase achievementIncrease achievement Enable better understandingEnable better understanding Cultivate improved communicationCultivate improved communication Have a positive impact on workload Have a positive impact on workload

http://www.effectiveict.co.uk/effective/http://www.effectiveict.co.uk/effective/

Benefits of Using ICT in Teaching Benefits of Using ICT in Teaching and Learningand Learning

ICT helps to Motivate and Engage LearnersICT helps to Motivate and Engage Learners

Through the use of ICT educators can provide opportunities to Through the use of ICT educators can provide opportunities to learners by engaging and motivating them so that they can meet learners by engaging and motivating them so that they can meet their individual learning needs,their individual learning needs, ((http://www.naace.org/impict/teaching.htmlhttp://www.naace.org/impict/teaching.html; Accessed: ; Accessed:

23/06/2008).23/06/2008).

Assessment of Learners Assessment of Learners – ICT can provide useful feedback to both educators and learners through ICT can provide useful feedback to both educators and learners through

the use of some software that are able to assess learner’s work,the use of some software that are able to assess learner’s work, ((http://http://

www.northerngrid.org/ngflwebsite/how.htmwww.northerngrid.org/ngflwebsite/how.htm; Accessed: 23/06/2008).; Accessed: 23/06/2008).

Speed and Automatic functionsSpeed and Automatic functions– capability to produce and modify resources quickly and easilycapability to produce and modify resources quickly and easily– demonstrate, explore or explain work effectivelydemonstrate, explore or explain work effectively – it allows routine tasks to be completed and repeated quicklyit allows routine tasks to be completed and repeated quickly

Communication Channels are IncreasedCommunication Channels are Increased Communication channels are increased through email, Communication channels are increased through email,

discussion groups and chat rooms; discussion groups and chat rooms; ((http://http://www.schoolnet.gov.mt/ictsec/ICTPedagogyHeads.docwww.schoolnet.gov.mt/ictsec/ICTPedagogyHeads.doc; ;

Accessed: 23/06/2008).Accessed: 23/06/2008). Through ICT distance is no longer an issue; since Through ICT distance is no longer an issue; since learners and educators are able to share ideas and valuable learners and educators are able to share ideas and valuable informationinformation

ExamplesExamples EmailsEmails Apart from using emails to communicate with learners; educators Apart from using emails to communicate with learners; educators

are able to communicate with other stakeholdersare able to communicate with other stakeholders

Video ConferencingVideo Conferencing Video conferencing schools are able to collaborate or share Video conferencing schools are able to collaborate or share

information on common issuesinformation on common issues

AccessAccess toto InformationInformation – Through Internet, learners and educators are able to have Through Internet, learners and educators are able to have

access to several educational knowledge and information. access to several educational knowledge and information. – They are able to use Search Engines like Google; Yahoo; They are able to use Search Engines like Google; Yahoo;

Ananzi; etc to search for informationAnanzi; etc to search for information– Uptudate InformationUptudate Information

ICT helps prepare children for the world of workICT helps prepare children for the world of work– Most organisations today use ICT, i.e. computers, technologies, Most organisations today use ICT, i.e. computers, technologies,

applications and devices to run their everyday business applications and devices to run their everyday business activities and children already love to use ICT in the rest of their activities and children already love to use ICT in the rest of their lives. lives.

Example:Example:a)a) Internet BankingInternet Bankingb)b) TelecommunitingTelecommuniting

ICT opens up new opportunities in teaching and ICT opens up new opportunities in teaching and learninglearning

– Teaching using ICT offers educators the chance to empower learners Teaching using ICT offers educators the chance to empower learners with new passion into their subjects, to adopt fresh approaches, pool with new passion into their subjects, to adopt fresh approaches, pool ideas and develop new skills that expand their career possibilitiesideas and develop new skills that expand their career possibilities

((http://www.educatornet.gov.uk/wholeschool/ictis_old/ict_teaching/primarystrategyict/primaryict/http://www.educatornet.gov.uk/wholeschool/ictis_old/ict_teaching/primarystrategyict/primaryict/; Accessed: 23/06/2008); Accessed: 23/06/2008)

Examples:Examples:

Educational WebsitesEducational Websites Educators may access teaching plans and other Educators may access teaching plans and other

educations materials from the Internet. educations materials from the Internet. BenchmarkingBenchmarking

They may also benchmark their activities with other They may also benchmark their activities with other educational institutions of similar level. educational institutions of similar level.

E-ConferencesE-Conferences Through e-conferences educators are able to acquire new Through e-conferences educators are able to acquire new

knowledge and skills that might help them inside their knowledge and skills that might help them inside their classroomclassroom

ICT is flexibleICT is flexible

ICT can be customised to suit learners of all ICT can be customised to suit learners of all ages and abilities, and educators of all skills ages and abilities, and educators of all skills sets, to support educators and pupils across the sets, to support educators and pupils across the whole curriculum.whole curriculum.

((httphttp://www.educatornet.gov.uk/wholeschool/ictis_old/ict_teaching/primarystrategyict/primaryict/://www.educatornet.gov.uk/wholeschool/ictis_old/ict_teaching/primarystrategyict/primaryict/ ; Accessed: ; Accessed: 23/06/2008)23/06/2008)

Example:Example:

Educational SoftwareEducational Software

Educators are able to customise lessons according to Educators are able to customise lessons according to individual learner’s skills and knowledgeindividual learner’s skills and knowledge

ICT Provide Link between School and HomeICT Provide Link between School and Home Through ICT parents and learners are able to have Through ICT parents and learners are able to have

access to teaching and learning materials, and to access to teaching and learning materials, and to assessment and attendance data, from home,assessment and attendance data, from home, ((

http://www.naace.org/impict/teaching.htmlhttp://www.naace.org/impict/teaching.html; Accessed: 23/06/2008).; Accessed: 23/06/2008). Through ICT parents are able to access school Through ICT parents are able to access school

information wherever they are; as long as they are information wherever they are; as long as they are connected to the Internetconnected to the Internet

Examples:Examples: School WebsiteSchool Website Parents are able to visit school website and browse policies and Parents are able to visit school website and browse policies and

other school procedures without physically going to schoolother school procedures without physically going to school

Assignments Assignments Learners may download assignments from school websiteLearners may download assignments from school website

ICT can significantly reduce learning costsICT can significantly reduce learning costs

– It is clear that there are advances in ICT, It is clear that there are advances in ICT, the the personal computer continues to becomepersonal computer continues to become more more and more accessible and affordableand more accessible and affordable. .

– The The internet and cellular phone is becoming internet and cellular phone is becoming commonplacecommonplace for millions of people. for millions of people.

– The The cost of videoconferencing connection is also cost of videoconferencing connection is also loweredlowered if Internet Protocol (IP) is used, if Internet Protocol (IP) is used, ((

http://www.jointokyo.org/files/cms/news/pdf/s2_benefits_v7.pdfhttp://www.jointokyo.org/files/cms/news/pdf/s2_benefits_v7.pdf ; Accessed: 24/06/2008).; Accessed: 24/06/2008).

– Learners and educators may through the Internet or Learners and educators may through the Internet or videoconferencing learn from another institution videoconferencing learn from another institution without physically going to that institution. This without physically going to that institution. This automatically saves traveling cost.automatically saves traveling cost.

Challenges Faced by Schools with regard Challenges Faced by Schools with regard to Implementation and Integration of to Implementation and Integration of

ICT in Teaching and LearningICT in Teaching and Learning

CultureCulture Culture in this regard is referred to the Culture in this regard is referred to the

way educators and learners do their way educators and learners do their businessbusiness

Therefore, it should not come as a surprise to Therefore, it should not come as a surprise to find that learners opt not to become autonomous, find that learners opt not to become autonomous, comprehensive learners (which is possible with comprehensive learners (which is possible with the use of ICT). the use of ICT).

Promoting the use of autonomous and Promoting the use of autonomous and comprehensive ICT use requires more than comprehensive ICT use requires more than access to adequate resources or the adoption of access to adequate resources or the adoption of ICT in classroom strategies. ICT in classroom strategies.

It demands a change in classroom cultureIt demands a change in classroom culture, , ((

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa4013/is_200304/ai_n9228424/pg_7http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa4013/is_200304/ai_n9228424/pg_7; Accessed: 23/06/2008).; Accessed: 23/06/2008).

Deloitte consulting partner Lisa Barry says Deloitte consulting partner Lisa Barry says cultural transformation is “the lifeblood of cultural transformation is “the lifeblood of change”. She outlines six major fundamentals change”. She outlines six major fundamentals for change:for change:– Make your case for changeMake your case for change– Have a clear visionHave a clear vision– Develop a strategyDevelop a strategy– Work out how much organisational capacity there is to Work out how much organisational capacity there is to

enact the changeenact the change– Introduce strong motivation for change to the Introduce strong motivation for change to the

businessbusiness– Communicate effectively – “keep on top of the Communicate effectively – “keep on top of the

messages that are being transmitted through the messages that are being transmitted through the organisation”.organisation”.

((http://www.heidrick.com/NR/rdonlyres/5A39C42F-5526-4C14-ADE8-4504EB3B6133/0/HS_CulturePerformance.phttp://www.heidrick.com/NR/rdonlyres/5A39C42F-5526-4C14-ADE8-4504EB3B6133/0/HS_CulturePerformance.pdfdf; Accessed: 24/06/2008); Accessed: 24/06/2008)

Inadequate ICT skills Among EducatorsInadequate ICT skills Among Educators Integration of ICT in teaching and learning Integration of ICT in teaching and learning

does not only deal with introduction of new does not only deal with introduction of new hardware and software, but both trainers and hardware and software, but both trainers and the learners have to adopt new roles, and the learners have to adopt new roles, and change their ICT behaviors and ways of change their ICT behaviors and ways of teaching and learning.teaching and learning. ((http://ijedict.dec.uwi.edu/viewarticle.php?id=246http://ijedict.dec.uwi.edu/viewarticle.php?id=246; Accessed: ; Accessed:

23/06/2008)23/06/2008)

Example:Example:

In most rural schools, most educators do not even In most rural schools, most educators do not even know how to use a mouse; hence this becomes a know how to use a mouse; hence this becomes a serious drawback in terms of using ICT in teaching and serious drawback in terms of using ICT in teaching and

learninglearning

Insufficient ICT ResourcesInsufficient ICT Resources The insufficient number of computer resources The insufficient number of computer resources

obviously had a negative impact on the obviously had a negative impact on the development of the learners’ information development of the learners’ information literacy skills and their ability to independently literacy skills and their ability to independently access a wider variety of information sources access a wider variety of information sources that would help them fare well in their school that would help them fare well in their school work. work. ((http://www.univen.ac.za/ads2.phphttp://www.univen.ac.za/ads2.php; Accessed: 23/06/2008); Accessed: 23/06/2008)

Example:Example:

A school with 800 learners sharing 200 computers will A school with 800 learners sharing 200 computers will perform better than the school with the same number perform better than the school with the same number of learners who are sharing 10 computers in terms of of learners who are sharing 10 computers in terms of acquiring information literacy skills. acquiring information literacy skills.

CurriculumCurriculum School curriculum planning should be School curriculum planning should be

redesigned to incorporate information redesigned to incorporate information technology as an element of learning and technology as an element of learning and teaching, and allow sufficient time for learners teaching, and allow sufficient time for learners to enjoy computer activitiesto enjoy computer activities.. (http://crpit.com/confpapers/CRPITV34Han.pdf; Accessed: 23/06/2008)(http://crpit.com/confpapers/CRPITV34Han.pdf; Accessed: 23/06/2008)

Lack of systemic approach to ICT Lack of systemic approach to ICT implementationimplementation

– Integration of ICTs in the functions of any Integration of ICTs in the functions of any

organization is a complex process that needs organization is a complex process that needs project management skillsproject management skills and to be clearly and to be clearly defined from the beginning. defined from the beginning.

– However, this is not the case in many educational However, this is not the case in many educational institutions in South Africa as most of them have institutions in South Africa as most of them have embraced the ICT integration process without clear embraced the ICT integration process without clear plans to guide the way. plans to guide the way. The institution The institution ICT policy and strategic planICT policy and strategic plan should should

be defined to provide a framework for the development and be defined to provide a framework for the development and implementation of specific ICT projects. implementation of specific ICT projects. (http://ijedict.dec.uwi.edu/viewarticle.php?id=246; Accessed: 23/06/2008)(http://ijedict.dec.uwi.edu/viewarticle.php?id=246; Accessed: 23/06/2008)

LackLack of Management Supportof Management Support

Management support is critical to the Management support is critical to the successful integration of ICT into teaching and successful integration of ICT into teaching and learning processes. learning processes.

Managers can provide the conditions that are Managers can provide the conditions that are needed, such as ICT policy, incentives and needed, such as ICT policy, incentives and resources. resources.

The commitment and interest of the top The commitment and interest of the top management and other leaders at every level management and other leaders at every level is the most critical factor for successful is the most critical factor for successful implementation of ICT. implementation of ICT.

It is imperative that school management and It is imperative that school management and ministry of education show commitment for the ministry of education show commitment for the successful integration of ICT in teaching and successful integration of ICT in teaching and learning processeslearning processes. . (http://ijedict.dec.uwi.edu/viewarticle.php?id=246; (http://ijedict.dec.uwi.edu/viewarticle.php?id=246;

Accessed: 23/06/2008)Accessed: 23/06/2008)

Example:Example:

When management is committed towards When management is committed towards integrating ICT in teaching and learning:integrating ICT in teaching and learning:– it allocates enough funds for project.it allocates enough funds for project.– takes educators to staff and development takes educators to staff and development

workshops.workshops.

Lack of Technical SupportLack of Technical Support

There is a need for someone who will always There is a need for someone who will always be there to fix broken ICT equipments like be there to fix broken ICT equipments like computers; computers;

this person will be providing technical support this person will be providing technical support services for the school. services for the school.

Technical support among other issues covers Technical support among other issues covers installation, operation, maintenance, network installation, operation, maintenance, network administration and security.administration and security.

This is also crucial part of the implementation This is also crucial part of the implementation and integration of ICT in education system. In and integration of ICT in education system. In most cases however, technical most cases however, technical supportsupport is not is not available, which implies that educators and available, which implies that educators and learners require some basic troubleshooting learners require some basic troubleshooting skills to overcome technical problems when skills to overcome technical problems when using ICTusing ICT, , (http://ijedict.dec.uwi.edu/viewarticle.php?id=246; Accessed: 23/06/2008). (http://ijedict.dec.uwi.edu/viewarticle.php?id=246; Accessed: 23/06/2008).

Example:Example:

A school must have at least one person who can A school must have at least one person who can serve as a technician for repairing broken serve as a technician for repairing broken computers and other related resources.computers and other related resources.

Lack of ownership Lack of ownership

Stakeholders involvement is imperative for the Stakeholders involvement is imperative for the successful implementation of the ICT project. successful implementation of the ICT project.

It is critical that all stakeholders contribute to It is critical that all stakeholders contribute to and own the policy and the plan. and own the policy and the plan.

Stakeholders must be given maximum platform Stakeholders must be given maximum platform for participation since this will help in the for participation since this will help in the identification of challenges, and in proposing identification of challenges, and in proposing areas for ICT application. areas for ICT application.

They must agree on the projects to be They must agree on the projects to be implemented, including their role therein. implemented, including their role therein. Employees must see ICT as tools that Employees must see ICT as tools that complement their jobs rather than as complement their jobs rather than as competitors for their jobs. It is a challenge competitors for their jobs. It is a challenge to get stakeholders in an organization to to get stakeholders in an organization to think for the organization, rather than the think for the organization, rather than the natural tendency of considering their natural tendency of considering their personal interests first, personal interests first, (http://ijedict.dec.uwi.edu/viewarticle.php?id=246; (http://ijedict.dec.uwi.edu/viewarticle.php?id=246;

Accessed: 23/06/2008).Accessed: 23/06/2008).

Example:Example:

School governing bodies and other stakeholders School governing bodies and other stakeholders must be involved fully in the integration and must be involved fully in the integration and implementation of ICT projects in education implementation of ICT projects in education since without their involvement the whole project since without their involvement the whole project can be a white elephant. can be a white elephant.

Lack of SecurityLack of Security

Most rural schools do not have necessary Most rural schools do not have necessary security facilities that can secure their ICT security facilities that can secure their ICT resources; hence thieves make it difficult for resources; hence thieves make it difficult for such schools to acquire computers for the such schools to acquire computers for the purpose of teaching and learning. purpose of teaching and learning.

In a bid to avoid losing school computers In a bid to avoid losing school computers because of theft, in other instance they are because of theft, in other instance they are kept in somebody’s house. kept in somebody’s house.

Theft is a serious threat that makes rural Theft is a serious threat that makes rural schools not to acquire computers. schools not to acquire computers.

Attitude to ICTAttitude to ICT

Educators respond with different degrees of Educators respond with different degrees of enthusiasm in relation to the use of ICT in their enthusiasm in relation to the use of ICT in their teaching practice. teaching practice.

There educators who still do not believe that There educators who still do not believe that ICT is relevant to either learners improvement ICT is relevant to either learners improvement or to their professional development. or to their professional development.

Some educators believe that integration of ICT Some educators believe that integration of ICT into teaching and learning will render them into teaching and learning will render them redundant for they believe ICT will replace redundant for they believe ICT will replace them. As a result, there is a slower shift in them. As a result, there is a slower shift in educators' attitudes towards ICT than planners educators' attitudes towards ICT than planners had expected, had expected, (http://www.schoolnetafrica.org/english/schoolnet_centre/aworkshops/presentation.html; (http://www.schoolnetafrica.org/english/schoolnet_centre/aworkshops/presentation.html; Accessed: 23/06/2008). Accessed: 23/06/2008).

There should be a way to motivate those There should be a way to motivate those educators with negative attitude towards using ICT educators with negative attitude towards using ICT in teaching and learning. in teaching and learning.

Courses should be offered continuously as a way Courses should be offered continuously as a way to make them appreciate the benefits of using ICT to make them appreciate the benefits of using ICT in their educational activities. in their educational activities.

Some educators could see the benefits but they Some educators could see the benefits but they are only resisting to change; which implies that a are only resisting to change; which implies that a well planned transitional strategy must be put in well planned transitional strategy must be put in place. place.

Example:Example:

A educator with negative attitude will not bother to A educator with negative attitude will not bother to learn on his/her own how to use a particular learn on his/her own how to use a particular computer program.computer program.

Inadequate funds Inadequate funds

Most schools are operating from limited Most schools are operating from limited budget, which again makes financing budget, which again makes financing and maintain projects like and maintain projects like implementation and integration of ICT in implementation and integration of ICT in education a problem. education a problem.

It is obvious that schools with higher It is obvious that schools with higher financial resource bases stand a good financial resource bases stand a good chance than those with limited resources chance than those with limited resources to reap benefits offered by ICT. to reap benefits offered by ICT. (http://ijedict.dec.uwi.edu/viewarticle.php?id=246; Accessed: 23/06/2008)(http://ijedict.dec.uwi.edu/viewarticle.php?id=246; Accessed: 23/06/2008)

In addressing the problem of limited funds In addressing the problem of limited funds and sustaining donor funded projects, and sustaining donor funded projects, school can do the following: school can do the following: – adopt freeware and open source software for adopt freeware and open source software for

teaching and learning activities;teaching and learning activities;– continuously press for more funds from their continuously press for more funds from their

governments; and governments; and – diversify sources of funds to have a wide diversify sources of funds to have a wide

financial base.financial base.

Insufficient ICT ResourcesInsufficient ICT Resources

There are schools in rural areas that have no There are schools in rural areas that have no electricity and telephone lines; which are the electricity and telephone lines; which are the basic requirements from making a gadget like basic requirements from making a gadget like computer functional. computer functional.

Government largely depend on donations from Government largely depend on donations from private sector.private sector.

ConclusionsConclusions

Managers need to ensure that they benefit out Managers need to ensure that they benefit out of the ICT that are implemented in teaching of the ICT that are implemented in teaching and learning. and learning.

They have a challenge to make ICT work for They have a challenge to make ICT work for them. them.

Challenges must not scare schools managers Challenges must not scare schools managers to an extent where they stop to integrate ICT in to an extent where they stop to integrate ICT in teaching and learning; rather they have to teaching and learning; rather they have to adopt strategise that can minimise them. adopt strategise that can minimise them.

They have to maximise the benefits associated They have to maximise the benefits associated with ICT in teaching and learning.with ICT in teaching and learning.