Challenges faced by teachers when using ICTs in the teaching of Mathematics at Grade five level in Insuza Cluster of Umguza District, Matabeleland North Province

Abstract

The study sought to establish on the challenges faced by teachers when using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the teaching of Mathematics at Grade five level. It was guided by five themes, which are: understanding the concept of ICTs, uses of ICTs, the extent to which the use of ICT improves the teaching of Mathematics, challenges faced by teachers when using ICTs during the teaching of Mathematics as well as strategies which may be used to help teachers use ICT effectively during the teaching of Mathematics. The researcher adopted the descriptive survey design and used both quantitative and qualitative research paradigms. Population comprised of eight school administrators and eight grade five teachers in Insuza cluster of Umguza District in Matabeleland North Province. The researcher adopted non-probability sampling techniques and the purposive sampling procedure was used. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data which was analyzed using themes. The study revealed that school administrators and teachers partially understood the concept of ICT. They indicated that ICT involves communication by the use of electronic devices such as laptops and cellphones. However, most administrators and teachers did not see the fully utilization of ICTs at their schools in the teaching of Mathematics since none of the schools had any ICT tools for classroom use. Their understanding of ICT uses was limited as they were only aware of only a few ways of using ICT during Mathematics lessons. Some teachers admitted that they were not using any ICT tools during lessons as their schools had none. Both school administrators and teachers agreed that the use of ICT had an impact on the academic performance of the learners as far as Mathematics was concerned. It was highlighted that ICTs arouse interest and fascinated the learners which helped the objectives be achieved more quickly and clearly. Some of the typical challenges faced by teachers when using ICT in the teaching of Mathematics include lack of knowledge, shortage of resources, lack of confidence, inadequate funding, negative attitude and resistance to change especially on the older generation. The study recommends that teachers should be staff developed and be provided with in-service training on ICT. It also recommends the school administrators to engage more with both governmental and non-governmental organizations on funding and donations in order to improve on the availability of resources. Parents are also recommended to be more involved in school activities by providing financial assistance and moral support to schools.