An investigation on barriers affecting deployment of ICT in rural schools

MCom (Computer Science and Information Systems), North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2018Information and communication technology (ICT) development is continuously growing faster than before and ICT skills have become as essential in our lives as being able to read, write and compute. Learners are presented with a challenge that assignments, projects and presentations need to be typed at school and sometimes, they need to submit online (via email, a learning portal, etc.). The implementation of ICT in the Republic of South, North West Province, particularly the Rekopantswe Area Office in Ngaka-Modiri Molema District has been in the pipeline for years now and nothing is happening. Various companies have donated ICT gadgets to schools but so far, most of learners from rural schools cannot switch on a computer or connect a data projector, and even some educators are unable to do this. The study aimed at revealing all the issues affecting the successful deployment of ICT in rural schools. Researcher visited few well-resourced schools in terms of ICT in the area to assess the actual implementation of ICT in schools as to see whether the Department of Education is achieving it's in goal of integrating ICT in teaching and learning. The study highlights the plight of schools in rural areas where they are more disadvantaged that other areas in the country, however, it is very important that keep on dwelling much on this issue of economic status and inclusivity is not a solution as the question of ICT integration in teaching and learning in rural schools is not a negotiable one if South African learners are not kept abreast with trends in other parts the world. This will disadvantage South African learners, especially those from rural areas to be globally competitive in the market place. ICT integration in rural schools has been analysed and it was noted that in most schools, classrooms are crowded, schools lacks ICT planning, support from the Department, and motivation of the educators concerning the use of ICT in classroom, they are working with limited funds (Budget), educators lack time to explore ICT peripherals and lastly, educators lacks ICT training and technical support. In addition, the study concludes with necessary recommendation as to assist the Department in achieving their goal and the study also raises some of the key concerning issues with regards to ICT implementation in rural schools.Master