Teaching mathematics and science using computers: How prepared are South African teachers to do this?

• Published in: Procedia, social and behavioral sciences Vol. 2; no. 2; pp. 1610 - 1614
• Main Authors: Mofokeng, Peter L. S, Mji, Andile
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 2010
• Subjects: Applications in subject areas; Country-specific developments; Improving classroom teaching; Secondary education; Applications in subject areas; Secondary education; Improving classroom teaching; Country-specific developments
• ISSN: 1877-0428; 1877-0428
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2010.03.245

The purpose was to explore teachers’ readiness to integrate computers in teaching mathematics and science in their classrooms. Participants were 58 teachers, 37 (63.8%) females and 21 males (36.2%) from 35 schools in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Data were collected through a questionnaire that required teachers to indicate whether they utilized computers during teaching and learning activities; the extent of their confidence levels in respect of different activities related to utilizing computers; whether they had access to computers at home and whether they would be willing to attend computer training that would help in their teaching. Results indicated that teachers did not use computers in their mathematics and science classrooms. Also, that a majority did not have access to computers at home. They however expressed a wish to attend training on aspects of computing related to teaching mathematics and science. It is argued that authorities should provide the necessary training if computers are to be part of the teaching and learning context in South Africa.