Exploring Classroom Use of ICT Among Pre-service Science Teachers in Selected SADC Countries

Abstract

Information and communication technology (ICT) competences are among the most important requirements to effectively teach mathematics and science in today’s classrooms. Teacher educators in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region have prioritised ICT competences for pre-service teachers (PSTs) to effectively select suitable instructional techniques for teaching mathematics and science subject matter. The purpose of this study was to compare PSTs’ knowledge of integrating ICT resources into mathematics and science instruction during their teaching practice based on the country of their training, and to determine a linear combination of subfactors that best explains their ICT knowledge. Data were collected from 524 final year PSTs in three SADC countries: Lesotho, South Africa and Zimbabwe. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the effect of country on PSTs’ ICT competence levels. In addition, a stepwise linear multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine a linear combination of subfactors that significantly influenced their ability to integrate ICTs into their instruction. The results of the study revealed a significant difference in PSTs’ ICT competences by country. A post hoc test was conducted to determine which groups differed significantly. The results have highlighted the importance of PSTs’ access to ICT resources during teaching practice in the three countries. Furthermore, the results have contributed to knowledge about teacher education in the three countries.

Keywords:

• ICT
• pre-service mathematics and science teachers
• SADC region
• teaching practice

Acknowledgement

The University of the Free States funded this study. We are grateful to the management for the monetary and logistical support that made our work a success.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.