Investigating the integration of ICT in Mathematics and Science in Swaziland classrooms

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the status quo of the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Swaziland Mathematics and Science form four classrooms. The rationale is to understand the status in order to propose an appropriate strategy for policy and practice in education. The research design is a survey conducted in the Manzini region, the most central, largest region with the largest number of schools. The study focused on all schools that had computers for the purpose of education. There were 149 participants from 43 schools. All Mathematics, Science, and ICT teachers were included in the study, including head teachers. The study instruments were adapted from the Second Information Technology in Education Study (SITES) undertaken under the auspices of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement. Permission to adapt South African instruments was granted through the Centre for Evaluation and Assessment at the University of Pretoria. Four types of questionnaires were adapted and used. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that very little had been done by Swaziland to integrate ICT in Mathematics and Science classrooms. The status quo indicated that the Student Computer Ratio was very high (14:1). In terms of ICT literacy 67% of the ICT teachers were diploma holders, 72% of the Mathematics, 78% of the Science teachers had no ICT qualification and most of vi the learners were not competent. The computers were found old and out of date and lacking maintenance. The lack of School ICT policy as a possible factor that could explain the pedagogical use of ICT was found to be a major obstacle in the integration of ICT in the classrooms, and this was a major thematic area that has to be addressed. This is viewed as an obstacle by Mathematics, Science and ICT teachers together with their principals. The elimination of this obstacle could possibly ensure sufficient funding, appropriate knowledge and skills, efficient leadership, proficient teachers and competent students, and thereby give impetus to ICT integration in Mathematics and Science classrooms. It was then concluded that Mathematics and Science teachers do not integrate ICT in their practice, despite being core subjects. The channelling of more resources by government to ICT education was strongly recommended.