The use of educational technology in mathematics teaching and learning : an investigation of a South African rural secondary school

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the use of educational technology in Mathematics teaching and learning. In order to achieve this goal, a school by the name of Phusela Secondary was visited for the whole week to conduct the study. A lot of the literature reviewed was on developed countries as there is limited literature on developing countries concerning the use of educational technology in Mathematics teaching and learning and rural schools. Learners achievements compared to the Solo taxonomy measured effective usage of educational technology. The investigation followed a mixed method approach that was more evaluative and as one case was investigated it was a case study. Participants were sampled Mathematics learners who were willing to participate in the study and willing Mathematics educators of Phusela Secondary School. It was found from the study that there are no plans on the use of educational technology tools in Mathematics teaching and learning, inadequate educators’ training on the use of educational technologies in teaching and learning and lack of relevant educational technology tools for rural schools. These were the major reasons for the school not to use the educational technology tools in Mathematics teaching and learning. However these tools were sometimes used for other purposes other than Mathematics teaching and learning. Recommendations were made on how Phusela Secondary School can improve its usage of educational technology tools in Mathematics teaching and learning effectively for the development of higher order thinking skills. Recommendations for further study in as far this study was concerned were made