ICT Barriers in South African Education

We live the twenty-first century, where technology is the order of the day. ICT is defined as a global network in which ideas are exchanged, or information and knowledge is shared using communication like radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and so on.

Challenges in Education

-there are not enough teachers who are able to teach ICT related subjects like CAT in schools

-some staff members may not react well to the idea of using ICT in schools

-it is expensive to buy the hardware and software required for setting up MIS, and will require the training on the existing staff and recruitment of new staff who will be able to use the MIS.

-Information Technology (IT) based Management Information Systems (MIS) are expensive to set up.

-Crime: Computers are mostly stolen by community members from those school which have them.

-Lack of technological resources

My own experiences

Out of the years I spent in school, I was only exposed to technology during the first 7 years. During my primary school years, we were taught about the basics of computers like how to use Microsoft and Excel. We would also play puzzle games on the computers.

When I reached Secondary school, the school did have computers but we did not have teachers who were qualified to teach us computers. Lack of computer literate teachers is a very serious problem in my community. The schools are given computers by Telkom as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, but teachers are not trained. Computer rooms are then used as classroom due to the high number of learners in schools with inadequate infrastructure. I did Business Studies as a subject and we were taught about types of communication, and that is where I first heard about emails, blogs and other forms of technological, but I still did not have access to them. It was only I reached tertiary level where I learnt more about computers and became able to use computers well, although I still face minor challenges.

The state, public entities and communities must all work together to reduce these barriers. Teachers must also be willing and ready to be trained so that they will be able to teach their learners computer skills.The state can probably make it a requirement for teachers to have computer certificates when hiring them. Also,the companies who give computers to schools should also ensure that they also provide training assistance to the schools to ensure that their investments are used efficiently. As an emerging teacher, it is my responsibility to learn all the skills I need so that I may be able to convey them to my learners