Exploring ICT approaches to enhance the reading skills of digital FET learners in the 21st century
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Date
2023
Authors
Jansen, Monique
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education has gained momentum in the last ten years, globally and in South Africa. However, in South Africa, specifically, there is limited information on the impact of the ICT approaches on the development of reading skills of learners. This study, therefore, explored ICT approaches that can enhance the reading skills of digital learners in the first additional language (FAL) classrooms in the Further Education and Training (FET) in the Motheo District, Free State. It sets out to investigate how teachers use ICT approaches to enhance reading skills of the digital 21ˢᵗ century learners; the challenges faced by teachers in the integration of ICT approaches; and the way in which ICT can be used to enhance reading of FET digital learners. Underpinned by Constructivism Theory and Connectivity Theory, the study adopted a qualitative case study research approach within an interpretivist paradigm. Twelve teachers from three high schools in the Motheo District, Free State, participated in this study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews. A thematic data analysis framework was adopted. The key findings of the study show that, to some extent, the teachers in the three high schools use diverse ICT approaches to enhance reading skills of their learners. Most teachers agreed that the integration of ICT into the teaching of reading skills has a potential to enhance reading skills of learners. Factors such as managing the use of ICT devices in the reading classrooms; digital divide, teacher professional development, and availability of the internet in the schools were identified by the teachers as key to effective use of ICT to enhance reading skills of learners in the three schools. Despite the challenges of integrating ICT into the reading classrooms, the study found that teachers’ and learner’s positive attitudes towards ICT approaches influenced the interest in the use of ICT devices for improving reading skills. This study recommends that ICT approaches should be intergrated into curriculum to foster the migration from the traditional methods of teaching reading skills into the 21ˢᵗ century approaches that respond to the learning needs of the digital 21ˢᵗ century learners in the classrooms. Some schools need to urgently review their school policies which ban the use of ICT devices for learning and teaching purposes and establish ways to manage and monitor the use of these resources in the classrooms.This study adds to the body of information on ICT in education and offers educators, policymakers, and academics significant insights.The study concludes that ICT approaches have a potential to enhance reading skills of digital 21ˢᵗ century learners. Lastly, the study concludes that teacher professional development is key for the maximum integration of ICT for the development of learners’ reading skills.
Description
Dissertation (M.Ed.(Language Education))--University of the Free State, 2023