Challenges faced by Instructional Leaders in incorporating ICT in the teaching and learning of learners in primary Schools (Digital Literacy) - The Case of Gweru District.

Abstract

This research focused on assessing the challenges faced by Instructional Leaders in incorporating ICT in the teaching and learning of learners in primary Schools-(Digital Literacy), with Gweru District-Muwunga cluster as the case study for the research. The objectives of the research were ‘To establish teacher based challenges in incorporating ICT in the teaching and learning of primary school learners; To investigate organisation based challenges in incorporating ICT in the teaching and learning of primary school learners; To explore system based challenges in incorporating ICT in the teaching and learning of primary school learners and To suggest how the challenges faced by instructional leaders in incorporating ICT in the teaching and learning of primary school learners can be ameliorated.’ The research was based on the Technology Acceptance Model by Davis (1989). Quantitative research methods were used in this research. The data for this research was collected through questionnaires. Both probability and stratified sampling techniques were used in the research. The sample of the research was 7 teachers and 3 school heads. The descriptive research design was utilised in this research. The research findings revealed that most teachers do not have adequate knowledge and training in ICT; are facing the challenge of using outdated technology; some teachers resist the change of using ICT in the teaching and learning process as a result of their lack of information and skill in using it; there is no electricity in schools; there are no adequate instructional media resources such as TVs, radios, whiteboards and ICT coordinators in the school thereby hindering the incorporation of ICT in teaching and learning at primary schools as there are shortages of resources to use in incorporating ICT; school administrators are reluctant in buying ICT tools and software; there is inadequate Infrastructure in schools and classes are too big while computers are too few. These among other important issues discussed in the paper were key in revealing the challenges faced by Instructional Leaders in incorporating ICT in the teaching and learning of learners in primary schools.