A qualitative study on the integration of ICT in the classrooms of an atoll education centre in the Maldives / Aminath Warda

Abstract

Implementation of New ideas and Technologies in the teaching learning process always has to pass through a high degree of resistance in order to achieve its goals. This exploratory study is to discover the status of ICT integration in an Atoll Education Centre. The aim of the research is to find out the types and methods that the teachers use to integrate ICT in teaching and learning and to identify the benefits and challenges of using available ICT resources in teaching and learning. The data for the study was collected from 7 participants - 6 teachers of key stage 2 and the academic in-charge of the school. The individual semi-structured face to face interviews with the participants was the primary method used for data collection along with teacher's lesson observations. Discussing the results of the study, I found that all classrooms are installed with multimedia systems. The Teacher Resource Center is the main ICT resources available for the teachers along with a separate computer lab for students to use based on the need. The research found that though teachers are utilizing the multimedia systems well but computer lab for students remains underutilized. The study also proved that there are significant benefits of using multimedia systems by the teachers, which include easier explanation, minimized miss behavior, to manage student attention, saves time etc. Nevertheless, the major challenges remain to be lack of continuous school based ICT integration trainings, unwillingness, unawareness and the deep rooted teacher centred trainings of teachers. Thus there is an urgent need for a proper monitoring and guidance mechanism for the effective ICT integration of the context. The research will further assist the schools of the similar context to strengthen, plan and to develop strategies for effective ICT integration with regard to the findings of the research.