Using Information and Communication Technology in teaching English at a Technical Vocational Education and Training college

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been found as possibly dominant in teaching English. Most institutions are embracing the use of technology in teaching English. However, ICT integration at Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) colleges is still being adopted very slowly. There are problems challenging its uses. The NC(V) students at TVET colleges lack communication skills. The lack of these skills affects their overall performance. This study focused on the barriers that lecturers face in using ICT when teaching English for NC(V) students at a TVET college. The study investigated the positive influence of integrating ICT in teaching English for NC(V) students at a TVET college, and addressed the challenges associated with the use and implementation of ICT in teaching English for NC(V) students at a TVET college. A qualitative research approach was used in this research in order to explore and determine ways in which ICT can be used in teaching English at a TVET college. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data. The study’s participants were fifteen NC(V) lecturers offering English to NC(V) students at Nkangala TVET College. Semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews were conducted with Heads of Departments, Senior Education Specialists (SES), Education Specialists (ES), and NC(V) English lecturers in order to investigate and acquire findings for the research. This study found that there are barriers when it comes to integrating ICT in teaching and learning English and these were: teacher-level barriers, student-level barriers, and school-level barriers. Moreover, this study found that management acceptance is important in implementing ICT for teaching and learning. It is hoped that this study will contribute towards strategic ways that will ensure that ICT is integrated in teaching English at Nkangala TVET College as this will improve students’ class attendance and enhance teaching and learning.