Exploring the impact of ICT integration on learner performance in Grade 10 Physical Sciences

Abstract

In many developed countries, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is now strongly featured in education for teaching and learning. In South Africa, as in other developing countries, ICT use in education remains limited. This study investigates the impact of ICT integration on learner performance in Grade 10 Physical Sciences. The study was conducted to explore the extent to which the integration of ICT in teaching and learning affected learner performance in Grade 10 Physical Sciences. This study intended to highlight the benefits of ICT integration in teaching and learning in Physical Sciences. The literature review in this study exposed the barriers to ICT integration in the teaching and learning of Physical Sciences. The study was conducted using an explanatory mixed methods design within the pragmatic paradigm. Quantitative data was collected using a questionnaire while qualitative data was collected using an interview guide for teachers and a focus group interview guide for learners. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the quantitative data using the Kruskal-Wallis H test and the Mann-Whitney U test. In the second phase a-priori coding system was used to analyse the qualitative portion of the study. The data collected and analysed in this study demonstrated that Physical Sciences teachers are prepared to integrate ICT in teaching and learning although the learners presented a contradictory view. A smaller percentage of learners however responded in the affirmative to the question on teachers’ preparedness to integrate ICT compared to the results pertaining to performance and motivation. The findings revealed that teachers employed different strategies for ICT integration in the teaching of Grade 10 Physical Sciences. Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPCK) was used as a lens to guide this study. There is a disjuncture between the policy as outlined in the e-Education White Paper and classroom practice in terms of ICT integration. It is for this reason that the research was conducted to explore the impact of the ICT integration on learner performance in Grade 10 Physical Sciences.