The Effectiveness of Online Learning in Six Primary Schools in Mahatshula Cluster in Imbizo District, Bulawayo Metropolitan Province

Abstract

The study sought to determine the effect of online learning on teaching in Mbizo District Schools. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design in which questionnaires were used to collect the data. A sample size of 176 respondents was selected from a census population of six primary schools. Data collected was organised and analysed using Microsoft Excel. Results show that majority of respondents (85%,70%, 70%, 65%, 65%, 60%) lacked IT technology, lack of IT infrastructure, compatibility of technology, unable to buy internet packages, few number of gadgets to use, digital competence and lacked resources. Results show that majority (90%, 80%, 70%, 70% and 60%) of the respondents agreed that learner agreed that learners have limited ability to drive their own learning, difficult for learners to commit to task, cohesion of learning communities is affected, ability of learners to build relationships was affected and interactive collaboration was affected. Results showed that majority (80%) of respondents agreed that respondents are more likely to fail experiments and practical activities. Results further indicate majority (65%) of respondents disagreed that marks are likely to increase due to differences in learning abilities which become more difficult in an online environment. The study concluded that teachers continue to face many challenges such as lacked IT technology, lack of IT infrastructure, compatibility of technology, unable to buy internet packages, few number of gadgets to use, digital competence and lacked resources. The study further concluded that these learners faced difficulties in learning in an online environment. The further established that academic performance was affected in certain areas such as practical subjects and that aggregate marks would not change in an online environment. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education through its District Offices should provide resources for more continuous professional development on the use of computers for online lessons. The study further recommended that schools through School Development Associations should earmark more resources for purchase, service and repair of devices (computers) to use for online lessons.