The pedagogical value of tablet technology in the teaching of sixth grade Mathematics in two township schools in Gauteng Province, South Africa
Date
2019
Authors
Rafiki, Meschac
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Tablet technology technology is becoming an integral part of teaching and learning
mathematics in township schools in South Africa. This is after concerns were raised in
several reports about learners’ underachievement in mathematics, thus, urging the
Government to implement a potential solution to the poor quality of teaching and learning
of mathematics. Despite increasing use of tablet technology in mathematics classrooms
in the Province, there is lack of empirical evidence to show the benefits of using this type
of technology in the teaching and learning of mathematics in township schools. This study
sought to bridge this gap by exploring the pedagogical value of tablet technology in the
teaching of mathematics in two township schools in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The
qualitative case study research design was considered the most appropriate as it allowed
eliciting rich data on the lived experiences of mathematics teachers. Data came from
interviews with five purposefully selected mathematics teachers, observations of five
mathematics lessons and the analysis of important documents such as the learners’
marked work. Data were analysed thematically using an analytical tool developed from
various theories underpinning modern teaching and progressive pedagogy. The findings
of the study revealed that tablet technology gives township teachers access to various
forms of media for meaningful teaching of mathematics concepts. The use of narrative
media, interactive media, productive and adaptive media in particular promotes
meaningful engagement in instructional mathematics conversation, and enables more
reflective and adaptive mathematics teaching and learning. The study noted that the lack
of supporting technological infrastructure and teachers’ pedagogical knowledge to use
educational applications, coupled with inadequate teachers’ training in the use of tablets
in teaching mathematics seriously constrain teachers’ efforts to optimise the use of tablet
technology in their teaching. Based on these findings, it is recommended that teachers
should be provided with adequate technological support infrastructure and ongoing
training on the use of tablet technology in mathematics teaching. The study provides a
model for optimal use of tablet technology in mathematics teaching in poor township
schools.
Description
A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of
Philosophy Department of Educational, Information and Engineering Technology Wits School of Education The University of the Witwatersrand, August 2019
Keywords
Citation
Rafiki, Meschac. (2019). The pedagogical value of tablet technology in the teaching of sixth grade mathematics in two township schools in Gauteng, South Africa. University of the Witwatersrand, https://hdl.handle.net/10539/29449