Pre-service teachers’ competence to teach science through information and communication technologies in South Africa

Abstract

Research suggests that there is a need for better training of prospective teachers on information and communication technologies (ICTs)

Reconceptualising initial teacher education in South Africa: A quest for transformative and sustainable alternatives

“…Stoetzel and Shedrow (2021) found that prospective teachers lacked knowledge of technology tools and meaningful integration into their teaching. This observation was echoed by Marongwe et al (2023) and Jita (2016), who emphasised the need to adequately train aspiring teachers in the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for teaching and learning in schools. Without comprehensive training and understanding of ICT tools, teachers may be reluctant to adopt technology, making a case for rethinking initial teacher programs in South Africa.…”

“…A study conducted by Jita (2016) in South Africa revealed that preservice teachers are more familiar and comfortable with non-technology-related skills compared to technology-oriented skills. According to Jita (2016) and Marongwe et al (2023), the lack of ICT training opportunities provided to preservice teachers, as well as the failure of lecturers to incorporate ICTs in their teaching, contribute to the incompetence of initial teachers in utilising ICTs. Both studies recommend the revision of teacher education programs to include the integration of ICTs.…”

“…The implications of the preceding discussion highlight the necessity for universities to reassess their methods of training prospective teachers in order to align with contemporary pedagogical practices, such as adopting a "guide on the side" approach (Nawaz, 2013;Olusegun, 2015), and departing from traditional methods and practices that do not cater to the needs of technologically adept learners. Acknowledging the shortcomings of the current teacher education program in producing teachers equipped with pertinent pedagogical skills for today's student population (Marongwe et al, 2023;Jita, 2016), it is argued that some novice teachers struggle to identify suitable instructional tools and employ them effectively, indicating the need to enhance their pedagogical knowledge (Botha & Rens, 2018;Marongwe et al, 2023).…”

Perspectives of lecturers’ beliefs on integrating information communication technology into e-learning system

“…Furthermore, appropriate ICT training programs would turn faculty members more self-efficacy in computer applications and increase their likeliness to use them for their jobs (John, 2015). Altogether, learning how to combine technology, content and pedagogy in the teaching is a pre-condition for using ICTs to teach (Jita, 2016) that in turn determines the effectiveness of online teaching environments (Hung & Chou, 2015).…”

Investigation on the Poor Computer Graphic Design Skills among Art and Design Students at University

“…This leads to failure to concentrate on programs that may be helpful in their studies and daily life application. Students need guidance on how to learn programs and search for necessary information that can contribute to their academic excellence as well as improving their skills [7]. B.…”