Answer to Question #215574 in English for Sam

Question

The integration of ICTs in the South African education system continues to pose a remarkable challenge to South African teachers. The implementation of ICTs in South African schools is aimed at providing quality education to all (Ndlovu & Donovan, 2012)

1.1 Discuss the importance of integrating technology in teaching and learning. (4)

1.2 Explain FIVE (5) challenges that school’s experience when integrating technology in teaching and learning especially in South Africa. (5)

1.3 Propose FIVE (5) ways that can assist schools with the challenges they have in integrating technology. (5)

Answer 1

1.1 Increased student engagement.

Students are already enamored with technology for personal and entertainment use, by researching pop culture trends and current events that catch the interest of students, teachers can incorporate them into lesson to make them more relatable and enjoyable

Encouraging teamwork and collaboration.

The ability to collaborate as part of a pair, group or team is a valuable life skill for students to learn. Having students take notes together through Google docs, complete webquests or build a classroom web page together are just some ways technology can be used to improve student's skills.

Preparing students for a life after graduation.

The ability to use technology is an increasingly vital skill not only in K_12 education but also in life after graduation. College courses are more frequently being offered online or as a hybrid between online classes and classroom meetings.

Improved teaching outcomes.

Educational technology can be used to design lessons that allow for more thorough absorption of knowledge and improved learning outcomes.

1.2 Keeping up with everyday changes.

Technology changes so fast and become obsolete so fast, so it becomes hard for teacher to introduce new technology to students every now and then.

Cost of technology

Technology is very expensive and not all classes are able to afford this makes it hard for some learners to have access to technology.

Students misusing technology

It is common for students trying to misuse technology, this is normally through entertainment, therefore it is upon the teacher to find ways of protecting the students from some websites.

Keeping students safe online

Increased access to technology can lead to Increased vulnerability of students access to unwanted sites. Therefore there's an increase of concern on how to keep students safe online.

Teacher knowledge and professional development.

This is also a concern in technology education as there are some teachers who are unable to use technology or find difficulty in using it, this comes as a challenge to both the teacher and the students.

1.3 providing training to teachers who lack knowledge on technology

Educating teachers who are rigid about technology education the importance of the same

Keeping time with technology as it changes so fast

Locking some of the websites that can be vulnerable to students to keep them safe

Creating learning sites as a institution to reduce the cost of buying.