An ICT Approach for Implementing Emerging Technologies for Teaching and Learning in Low Resource Communities: Lessons Learnt from Namibia
Keywords:
emerging technologies, ICTs, teaching and learning, education, mobile learningAbstract
In this paper, emerging technologies in education which
include an interactive mobile learning application and new electronic
reading devices for Namibian Schools are discussed. The paper explains
how each of the studies was conducted and lays out the findings from
each of the studies. Our major aim is to design an ICT approach that
could be used in Namibia to implement emerging technologies within
the Namibian education system.
A case study qualitative approach was used. This was supported by
data collection methods such as interviews and focus groups, as well as
by data analysis paradigms comprising of a mix of Constructivist and
Classic Grounded Theory. Results from the studies showed negative
results which may hamper implementation of the new technologies in
Namibian schools. For example, on the issue implementing e-readers in
Namibian schools, the Namibian education stakeholders were
supportive of the idea but sceptical of its current viability. They
appreciated the potential benefits that the e-readers could provide, but
mentioned that a lot has to be done first in terms of establishing the
supporting ICT infrastructure. We concluded that there was lack of a
guiding approach that could be followed in implementing emerging
technologies in low resource areas. This workshop paper provides the
findings from the engaged participants and lessons learnt from the
studies. The focus of this paper is to outline the views of education
stakeholders in Namibia on the implementation of new ICTs.
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