An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the National Integrated Examination Computer System ( NIECS ) in the Deparment of Education at Limpopo Province

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate if the NIECS is being used effectively for the Learner management by the examination officials in different examination sections. Nationwide in South Africa, shortage of computer literate officials has become a critical challenge in most of the organisations. Ehlers (2006:63) reiterated that worldwide a severe shortage of professional computer literate people is expected to occur between 2005 and 2020.Since the introduction of National Integrated Examination Computer System (NIECS) at Limpopo Province in 1999, the researcher observed reluctance among examination officials in implementing the NIECS. The objective of the study was to describe the perceptions of examination officials regarding the role of NIECS, to determine the effective use of NIECS, and to identify barriers to the effective use of NIECS in learner management. The research methodology employed in this study was the Quantitative descriptive simple survey research design. The setting was at Department of Education, Limpopo Province. The population was all examination officials who are working at Head Office, Polokwane, for the purpose of learner management.Non probability, convenience sample of 80 examination officials was used. Data was collected utilising a self report with 41 closed ended and open ended questions. Raw data was fed into a SPSS with the assistance of a statistician. Data analysis was conducted through use of descriptive statistics. A problem of increased workload will remain a challenge for as long as available technology is not used appropriately. It is recommended that staff development should incorporate computer training in service management programmes.All officials in the organisations should undergo compulsory basic computer literacy training. The training should be done as part and parcel of induction and orientation programmes.