An investigation into the challenges that are being faced in the use and teaching of computers in schools: a case of six secondary schools in Chihota district Mashonaland East province, for the period (2012-2017).

Abstract

This study sought to find out the challenges being faced in the use and teaching of computers in secondary schools in Chihota District, Zimbabwe. Six secondary schools in the Chihota rural area participated in the study. Questionnaires and interviews were used as research instruments. Literature related to the topic was reviewed in Chapter Two in order to get an insight on the topic so as to develop a framework upon which findings were based. The findings revealed that there were problems in the use and teaching of computers in schools. The major problems were lack of a dedicated ICT policy on education, shortage of computer equipment, shortage of computer teachers and technical personnel, inadequate funding to procure and repair computers and lack of electricity. The study recommended the government to put in place a dedicated policy for the use and teaching of computers in education. The policy would make it possible for the government to fully support the education sector by providing the necessary resources for the full implementation of the programme. Schools on the other hand were recommended to create specific computer budgets to buy computers, computer software and cater for computer repairs. Schools were also recommended to send their computer teachers for computer refresher courses and also buy reliable standby power supply equipment such as powerful generators and UPS systems in the event that there were power outages. Finally, school heads were recommended to engage the corporate world and form PPPs with whom they could ensure the smooth running of computer departments.