An exploration of the integration of ICT in Life Sciences lessons: A case of teachers in Merafong City

Abstract

The advancement of technology in the 21st Century has transformed educational delivery in various ways, including the use of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), to enhance the teaching and learning process. In line with this trend, the South African Gauteng Department of Education supplied schools with ICT devices for use in the teaching and learning process, with the aim of improving learner performance in subjects such as Life Sciences. To achieve this aim, teachers are required to integrate educational ICT into their lessons. Despite the provision of ICT devices, the performance of Life Sciences learners has remained poor in Merafong City high schools. The reasons for the continued poor performance of learners, despite the availability of ICT devices has been a matter of speculation. Therefore, this study explored the integration of ICT in Life Sciences lessons, in Merafong City high schools. The study employed a qualitative case study design, and six Life Sciences teachers from both township and city government high schools in Merafong City participated in the study. Data were collected using semi- structured interviews and lesson observations, and were analyzed using a thematic data analysis method. The study findings revealed that the participating teachers have positive perceptions about the integration of ICT into their lessons, and they acknowledged the positive contribution of ICT use in the teaching and learning of Life Sciences. The findings also indicated that not all the participating teachers were competent in the use of educational ICT. In addition, a number of challenges faced by Life Sciences teachers during the integration of ICT in their lessons were highlighted. The implications of the findings are discussed, and recommendations on how to improve the integration of ICT in Life Sciences lessons to mitigate the challenges faced are provided.