The impact of technology on learning and communication in Grade 8 and 9 English classrooms

Abstract

ICT learning has become an integral part of the education system as it has brought forth 'new opportunities to restructure the language learning and teaching setting' (Bhasemi & Hashemi, 2011:3098). The use of ICT in South African schools is hampered by factors such as the availability of ICT resources, internet connectivity, power outages, and inadequate skills to use it. Most of the schools do not have the relevant ICT resources that teachers and learners require for teaching and learning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of ICT in assisting the learners in improving their English language skills, and therefore their communication skills; especially in Grades 8 and 9. The study was guided by the following research question, 'What is the impact of technology in Education on learning and communication in Grade 8 and 9 English classrooms?'The study was conducted in three ICT schools in Gauteng that use e-learning in the classroom. These schools were part of the ICT initiative of the Gauteng Department of Education. A qualitative research approach was applied in this study, guided by an interpretivism paradigm. Six teachers and one ICT expert described their experiences of having dealt with ICT in their profession during the interviews. A total of 274 learners participated by sharing their experiences of ICT learning through the use of questionnaires. The data were analysed using transcription and thematic analysis. Themes that emerged from the study were discussed separately, as well as in relation to other prevalent literature. The critical investigation of the findings presented in this study revealed that ICT has brought a positive change in teaching and learning English; however, causing distress and anxiety among teachers and affecting their psychosocial wellbeing. The findings of the study show that the integration of ICT in language learning has an influence on the way in which learners and teachers experience teaching and learning in the classroom. It was concluded that ICT has mainly impacted the schools positively by bringing a change in the academic performance of the learners. However, there are still challenges that have to be taken into consideration with regards to teacher training and the provision of adequate technological resources for both teachers and learners.