An investigation into the use of computers by teachers in schools in Zaka District under Masvingo Province.

Abstract

The study sought to establish the use of computers by teachers in schools in Zaka District under Masvingo Province. The research would also find possible solutions to effective use of computers in schools by teachers. The study have adopted the descriptive survey design which permitted the researcher to use questionnaires, interviews and observation to collect data. The design assisted the researcher to find valuable knowledge about opinions, attitudes and practices in the use of computers by teachers. A sample of schools was done under stratified random sampling. The sample was comprised of school heads, teachers and learners giving a total of forty-eight respondents. The outcomes of this study revealed that computers in schools are not being utilised much more efficiently and effectively to embrace learning by the teachers. This rose from a number of limitations such as lack of proven and tested educational software. In addition, failure of the Ministry to provide a National ICT Policy is one of the major challenges. The researcher recommends that the government should source more funds to capacitate the teachers, buy the computers and educational software. It should also build an ICT infrastructure and Policy in education as well to incorporate different organisations and sectors world over to assist schools in terms of connectivity. Lastly, the curriculum implementers in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education should include in their curriculum the integration of computers in the teaching and learning process across the curriculum.