Exploring the use of ICTs in education: evidences from South African secondary school managers

Abstract

The rapid technological advancements, especially in the field of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs), have brought with them new and expanded opportunities to create, share, store and communication information like never before. As various ICT tools and devices are being integrated into education it could assist especially school managers with managing teaching and learning, a core function of school Heads of Departments (HoDs). This study aimed at exploring the use of ICTs amongst secondary school managers, specifically mathematics and sciences HoDs in six Gauteng secondary schools. A qualitative approach was adopted to conduct research using semi-structured interviews with each of ten HoDs in these schools.

The key findings of this study revealed that the majority of HoDs do not use ICT tools and devices for higher order management activities, but are using these for purely administrative and clerical purposes. This is even whilst HoDs in the study have an understanding of how ICTs could benefit the teaching and learning process, including assisting with the management of this process. However, the findings of the study also reveal some of the enabling and constraining aspects to consider when integrating ICTs into education. It is these constraining factors which in most cases have prevented HoDs from realising the full potential of using ICTs in assisting with one of their core functions, managing teaching and learning.