Factors affecting ICT policy implementation in rural Namibian schools

A ZJER study on factors limiting the implementation of ICT technologies in rural Namibian schools.ICT provision is often limited in scope to allow optimal usage of education systems. A study to investigate factors that affect ICT Policy implementation in Namibia was conducted in 2010. In order to describe the rural area situation with regard to ICT implementation in the education sector, a quantitative approach was used to collect data from a sample 137 science teachers and 107 principals out of the 163 participating secondary schools in three rural regions. In this research school level data were used to identify the factors that affect ICT implementation in rural area science classrooms in Namibia. The results show that the implementation is enormously affected by leadership of the principals, lack of expertise as well as general use ofICT by the science teachers. The results might influence policies on ICT use and how ICT is to be used in the future at classroom level

An evaluation of the implementation of ICT policy for education in rural Namibian schools

Many governments across the world have invested a lot of resources in information and communication technology (ICT) development with an aim to enhance teaching and learning using technology in schools. New educational ICT policy issues emerged and new patterns of ICT related practices are observable in education. This initiative has necessitated the development of National ICT Policies that will guide the implementation process in schools. Namibia has adopted the National ICT policy for Education in 2005 and the National ICT Policy Implementation Plan in 2006. Since the adoption no study was done to evaluate the implementation process, especially in rural schools where the teaching has been proven difficult. This study evaluates the implementation of the National ICT Policy for Education in Namibian rural junior secondary schools, especially in science classrooms. The thesis is a mixed methods study, undertaking survey and case studies. The study was conducted in the three educational regions, namely, Ohangwena; Oshana; and Oshikoto in Northern Namibia were 163 schools were sampled. The purpose of the study was to describe how ICT is being implemented in science classrooms and also explore factors that affect ICT implementation in rural schools. The study’s findings indicate that the rural schools in Namibia are in the initial phase of ICT implementation. ICT use and pedagogical use is low due to lack of professional development courses, pedagogical support and lack of ICT related resources. However, the few schools with high pedagogical use of ICT have shown an entrepreneurial leadership style and vision of the science teachers. The relational analysis suggests three main predictors of ICT implementation in rural schools. These findings were confirmed through case studies of successful schools. In addition, the findings were legitimised by the participants of the ICT use conference. The Kennisnet model (2009) was adopted and adapted as a conceptual framework for this study. The Howie model (2002) provided the frame within which the structure of input, process and outcome could be identified. The data was consistent with the adapted Kennisnet model (2009) and added five more constructs namely, entrepreneurial leadership, science curriculum goals, entrepreneurial science teachers’ vision, general use of ICT. The general use of ICT and attitudes of the science teachers influences the pedagogical use of ICT as added to the Howie model (2002). The results of this research suggest ways to improve the pedagogical use of ICT in rural schools; enable policymakers to make informed decision about resource allocation to the rural schools; and on teacher professional development in order to improve the current rural situation regarding ICT use.Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2010.Science, Mathematics and Technology Educationunrestricte

Teachers’ Experiences With Online Teaching During COVID-19 in Kenya and Namibia

During the COVID-19 pandemic across sub-saharan Africa, the sudden closure of schools has interrupted and brought physical learning to a standstill. The rapid transition to emergency remote teaching posed many challenges and required innovative approaches to ensure continuity of teaching through information technology tools in Kenya and Namibia. Online Collaborative Learning (OCL) theory supports an effective teaching strategy for teachers to adopt appropriate technologies and clear educational goals, develop clear instructions for influencing students’ online behavior, prepare and orientate students adequately, and select pertinent discussion topics. The study used a cross-sectional survey of secondary school teachers in both countries. The results show that teachers continued to provide education during the pandemic without proper guidance from the school leadership. Teachers had no knowledge and support in developing appropriate online content, motivating students, and delivering quality teaching. Also, the results show no evidence-based online collaborative learning amongst teachers and/or schools. Similarly, schools lacked knowledge practices and digital resources, especially those in rural settings. The study recommends the improvement of continuing professional development in the respective countries covering aspects of the school vision, leadership, practices of the teaching community, pedagogical approaches, school-level knowledge practices, and increased digital resources

An evaluation of the implementation of the National ICT Policy for Education in Namibian rural science classrooms

Information Communication Technology (ICT) implementation in Namibian schools is still in its infancy in rural science classrooms at junior secondary school level. The research reported in this paper adapted the Four-in-Balance model that reflects the pillars of the use of ICT in classrooms. In order to explore the extent of the implementation in rural science classrooms of the government ICT Policy for Education, a survey was used to collect science teachers’ level data. Three levels of ICT implementation, viz low, medium and high, were identified. The results show that for management aspects of the ICT Policy the implementation level is high to medium, which contrasts with the low levels of implementation of subject specific ICT resources for pedagogical use, and also with teachers’ negative attitude to the use of ICT. The results might influence policies on ICT use and how ICT is to be used in the future at classrooms level.http://www.journals.co.za/ej/ejour_saarmste.htmlgv201