PERCEPTIONS OF TEACHERS AND LEARNERS ON THE USE OF ICTS IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN ZAMBIA: A CASE OF SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KABWE DISTRICT
Keywords:
Attitudes, Perception, ICTs, Religious Education, Computer
Abstract
Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) are widely being integrated in most sectors of the Zambian society including education. This study thus, investigated the perceptions of teachers and learners on the use of ICTs in the teaching and learning of Religious Education (RE)in three selected secondary schools in Kabwe District of Zambia. This was necessitated by the fact that so much had been said about the use of ICTs in science-based subjects but little, if any, is known about the use of ICTs in the teaching and learning of RE. The main objective of the study was, to establish the perceptions of teachers and learners on the use of ICTs in the teaching and learning of RE in the selected secondary schools. A survey design involving the use of qualitative methods was employed in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions, and non-participant observations. Data were mainly in form of views and opinions. Analysis of the data was accomplished through thematic analysis, which revealed recurring themes from the data. The findings of the study were that ICTs were valuable pedagogical tools in enhancing the teaching and learning of RE. Teachers perceived that ICTs promoted participation, ambiance transformation in class, creativity, motivation, easier understanding, and higher retention levels among learners. In other words, this study showed that teachers and learners consider ICTs as beneficial to RE as they create a more enabling environment that best fits the present social scenario of increased ICTs in Zambia. Arising from the findings of the study, it was recommended that: the Ministry of Education and school authorities should provide schools with more modern ICTs including computers. The ministry should consider the possibility of creating the position of Education Standards Officer-ICTs at district and provincial levels to oversee the correct and safe use of ICTs in RE (and other school subjects). The Ministry of Education and the Zambia Information Communications Technology Authority should formulate an effective e-safety policy to regulate the safe use of ICTs in schools.
Published
2023-04-03
How to Cite
Mulima, O., & Simuchimba, M. (2023). PERCEPTIONS OF TEACHERS AND LEARNERS ON THE USE OF ICTS IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN ZAMBIA: A CASE OF SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KABWE DISTRICT. ZANGO: Zambian Journal of Contemporary Issues, 35, 74-88. Retrieved from https://engineering.unza.zm/index.php/ZJOCI/article/view/965
Section
Articles