ICTs were deemed the solution to South Africa’s technological problems in schools, yet it has its own issues where it being integrated is concerned. These issues include vandalism as well as unskilled educators.
To touch on vandalism, many impoverished schools are situated in dangerous areas and are known for being burgled into. Yes we can suggest that the school gets security features but as those specific schools are poor they do not have the funding to get a proper security system put into place. A good suggestion would be that letters are sent home with children stating that volunteers are needed to assist in the caretaking of the school property. Also the school will have fundraisers and whatever money the school raises will go towards the payment of the volunteers who are assisting in the matters of the security system.
Where unskilled educators are concerned there are two issues that I will discuss with regard to this factor. That will be the fact that teachers are not transformative and lack professional development. In terms of teachers not being able to change their ways and wanting to stagnate and not use technology in their classrooms this sets South Africa back as a country because we are not embracing the 4th Industrial revolution. When it comes to the lack of professional development it means that teachers are not equipped to incorporate the technology they are given into their everyday class work as well as assessments. A solution to this would be that teachers should attend workshops and courses in order to increase their knowledge on a professional level.
Thus my stance is that teachers should become transformative and incorporate technology into their work so that they can also be part of the contribution to the 4th Industrial revolution.
Mymoena's Blog 
I understand that education seems to be better now that technology is improving rapidly however without technology back in the day the same education was given not so?.
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I understand what you are trying to bring across and it is well noted, yet access to things such as information is now made easier and sources are much easier found and those sources can be found in many forms such as PDFs, Word Docs and videos. Therefore technology enhances the way education is brought across because most learners have become visual learners.
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That makes a lot of sense, however if you also think about it from the 4th year industrial revolution technology isn’t to make things easier more for those people who created this shortcut could accomplish their own outcomes.
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Teachers should attend workshops in order to understand how to work and keep up with technology. But what happens to the teachers that cannot afford to go to workshops that are not free. We need to take this into consideration as well. How would these teachers help students if they cannot attend workshops due to shortage of fees/ income?
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Thank you for pointing that out. It is clear that, that should also be addressed and that can be dealt with by appealing to the heads of the workshops and asking them whether it would be possible if they can host workshops for free at poverty stricken schools.
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So true! The head of workshops should allow teachers of poverty stricken schools to join for free.
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I agree that schools need improved security systems , and feel as an up-and-coming teacher, the education department must step up their game, for we cannot hope to improve our schools’ technological capabilities if we cannot ensure that the technology will not be burgled.
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I totally agree that the government and DBE should do something about the security systems in schools as it is a great concern for us as future teachers. This issue really needs to be addressed ASAP.
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Whether it be now or 10 years time South Africa would be forced to go digital. Teachers would have to incorporate technology in the classroom or they’ll fall back as a county. South Africa is a devoloping country already heading towards an autonomous work setting in many fields so when the 4th Industrial revolution is fully integrated in the education system do you think that our jobs will be at stake? What can you deduce the future will hold for us as teachers? Will there be a need for us when technology will be the main form of teaching ?
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Yes there will still be use for us as teachers because even though technology will take preference it is still a cold form of interaction there will be no emotion coming from a computer, a tablet or a cellphone. Yes there will be emotions implanted into computers to be able to give a humanly response yet it won’t be as comforting to learners and it won’t give learners the physical aspect of connecting with another human being, as well as teachers give learners much more appreciation when they’ve achieved something. Teachers are valuable because they are a reminder of order and structure, yes you can set a schedule on a computer, but you can choose not to do something if there is no system in place and no one actually keeping you on your toes to do or complete something. With technology being the only source you can decide whether you as the learner feel like doing something or not, but having a hierarchy of structure set in place and knowing that you as the learner have to complete a certain task or there will be consequences keeps you in check and helps you prioritize.
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I agree and have noted down your concerns regarding the integration of technology.
It is of utmost importance that a proper security system is put into place. With regards to vandalism, this also ties in with a proper security system, if culprits are caught vandalizing, they should be dealt with appropriately.
I think rules and the regarding the use of technological resources should be put into place at schools as well as consequences when disobeying the rules.
Overall I think your ideas are brilliant.
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Thank you and I really like your suggestions. I agree that people who are caught vandalizing should be dealt with appropriately and proper measures should be taken to address the problem.
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I personally think that this is a solution as well as a problem.
It is a solution in the sense that educators can now save time and focus on the learning process. They can make sure that learners understand the work given.
It is a problem because educators are set in their ways and prefer to stick to what they know and they dont want to explore new ideas given to them.
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I agree 100% with what you have said and feel that, yes, teachers that have been in the profession a long time tend to be rigid and not want to adapt to technology
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Based on vandalism, as technology advances, burglars are getting smarter. I think people should really start being open minded by thinking of supplying unprivileged schools with maybe a donation, a camera that sees who enters and who leaves, even in the school walls cause most of the time it is learners who vandalize their own school.
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I agree 100% if the community helps everything should go well. Also yes burglars are becoming very smart and they too have been known to have inside access to school security. We should all stand together to protect the future of our country’s children.
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I agree, with teachers not wanting to adapt to change and them sticking to their old methods, sets South Africa back from embracing the fourth revolution. These educators need to start thinking about the future generation and not only what will work for them as teachers in classrooms.
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Yes definitely teachers of those days tend to stagnate and want everything to be done in their way. Adapting to change is really hard for them, but they need to realize technology is not the enemy.
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Most learners in the schools do not have parents who have time for them, let alone have time to volunteer for the protection and up keeping of the technologies of the schools.
The fact that we have to adapt to the fourth revolution is scary as most of our schools in South Africa at this moment do not have the basic educational materials in oder to teach.
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Yes it is duely noted as to what you have said but it is clear that there are many unemployed parents that sit at home and do nothing. Our unemployment rate is very alarming and my suggestion is a form of job creation, definitely not another creation to a problem. Yes the fourth industrial revolution might be a scary adaptation but surely you ought to realize it will happen sooner or later and as for impoverished schools they do receive funding. Where the funding goes no one knows, but instead of looking at the problem in a bad manner try and think of a solution as to how to help schools.
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I totally agree with what you are saying regarding certain south african schools, being unable to successfully integrate the use of ict’s into their classroom, due to a shortage thereof or vandalism. It is however the sad truth, but that does not change the fact that ict’s is the solution to many problems in the classroom. I believe that ict’s will be able to address many learning barriers. Especially in our day and time, many learners finds it easier to type using a computer or tab, rather than writing in a book. If implemented correctly, ict’s would most definitely enhance and increase learners performance. Learners would find it much easier when it comes to assignments, to do research on a computer or smart phone, rather than reading through several textbooks.
Therefore also to bring a solution to our poor areas, the department of education should get involved, and address the matter, providing those schools with proper and sufficient resources, as well as providing extra lessons to those teachers whom aren’t fairly familiar with the uses of ict’s. The Dep. of Education should also fund those schools in order to improve the school security.
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I agree with what you have said and also I feel the same way that ICTs will improve learners performance because certain learners perform well when faced with technology. They really like working with technology and seem to use it really well. Also they tend to excell with the use of technology such as computers, laptops, tablets and cellphones. It also makes it easier to access information. Where security for the ICTs in schools are concerned the DBE and government should definitely step up.
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To emphasize on the workshops and courses to increase the teacher’s knowledge. It’s a good suggestion I would say that there’s not enough teachers that are willing to use their free time to attend workshops. If the school makes provision for the teachers to attend workshops during their free periods during school hours will that be an option?
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Yes most definitely it should be an option. Intervals would be an even better time,because then all teachers are free. So they will all be available.
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I have to agree with what you’ve pointed out Mymoena, I think that technology plays an important role in our South African education system. We have to remember that the world of technology is always evolving and if we don’t try and meet these new standards or at least try to compete with them we’ll always be behind as a country and that effects our economy as well. Other countries look at us and try to see where how they can benefit from us but if we step up our game we can also try to benefit from them. This can all be possible but it starts in our schools.
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I agree 100%. Other counties can most definitely benefit from us. If we take a stand when it comes to integration and usage of technology we can most definitely compete with other countries and won’t lag behind.
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Well constructed blog and I’m eager to know about more of your work in the near future
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Thank you. I really do feel that the issues I raised could be provided solutions and also your comment is much appreciated.
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There are many solutions to this problem that’s arriving soon at our doorstep, but It will all involve the effort of the teachers
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I feel as though your closing statement is rather easier said than done . We need to take into consideration the older generation of teachers , yes they need to get with the program but if schools can barely afford the equipment , will they be able to provide the necessary training for unskilled teachers ?
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Duely noted but I did not state whether the workshops and courses that teachers need to attend are costly and whether they are free. Another person raised the same issue and what I had said was that schools can approach those people who have already been to the school and have given free sessions if they would provide more free sessions, if they are willing to. Also this puts those who have given workshops in a obligatory stance to give the workshops because the publicity will be good for them. Also there are already free workshops taking place to train teachers in ICTs. Those workshops also take place at the schools. So no extra Travelling fee is needed.
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Very well constructed, informative, and interesting blog. Your blog stresses the important issues that we face. All too often we become fixated on achieving any goals we might have put into place, and we tend to forget the issues at hand, that might serve as a hindrance in the process. Your blog can assist in creating a movement, where we can’t attempt to eradicate any issues we might be facing in regards to a shortage of technology in schools. Many thanks 🙂
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Thank you for taking an insight. I feel that many issues are still to be raised as well as solved. I really think that our country has to step it up in order to be hands on concerning the 4th Industrial revolution. Nevertheless we are headed in that direction. Thank you once again.
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A wonderful read Mymoena. The concerns you raised are very relevant because the high crime rate is a sad reality in our country. I’m embarrassed to say this but I feel very naive that the computers being stolen from the schools didnt cross my mind. So thank you! I feel more woke now being reminded of challenges that we could face with integrating ICT’s.
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Thank you. I really feel that the issues I raised were of concern, although there are many more. I feel that there is so much more we can do as a country. Not only the government but us as a society as well.
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In reading your blog and comments, I can see people are very passionate and show concern about integration of ICT’s in the classroom. And I admire that. I would just like to point out that we should be patient and realistic with expectations regarding this.Everything takes time…As they say, Rome was not built in a day. But Thank you Mymoena. Your blog was definitely a conversation starter.
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Thank you Raylene. I really do appreciate what you have said and the quote you used. It is true Rome was not built in a day. I feel that the issues I raised are fairly practical and I really wish the government would take into consideration our impoverished schools more.
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Technology plays an important role in our education system. I do, however, take into consideration that the older teachers, who taught without the use of technology, still presented excellent results. I also know that the use of ICT’s could address many learning barriers beacuse some learners find it easier to work (do research, study, etc.) from their smartphones, tablets, computers, etc. Very few learners want to sit in the library and read books in order to find information for example assignments. If ICT’s are implemented correctly, many will benefit as will teachers. Teachers who aren’t familiar with the use of technology, should be given training (by our department) in order to keep up beacuse even though we do not want to accept it, technology will become a necessity and it will solve a lot of problems in the classroom.
Thank you for a very informative blog
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I do agree with what you have said. Older teachers have produced successful results without technology. Technology is a huge benefit in terms of how fast information can be accessed. I agree that learners can access information from their most easiest source e.g. A tablet, laptop or cellphone. Yes teachers should get training which is why I stated that they should be given workshops. Thank you for your very insightful comment.
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What an interesting blog! You’re absolutely right when you say that ICT’s were supposed to be a solution but ICT’s itself have underlying issues. The resistance to change is also a big problem concerning teachers and the ICT’s. Concerning your concluding sentence, many teachers reject the idea of being transformative. They blatantly refuse to integrate technology into their lessons. Your idea for the call of volunteers from the community is brilliant. You’re right when you say that many schools cannot afford to pay for securities due to lack of funds. These schools can barely resource the necessities needed to run a school successfully, how the more could they be expected to pay for the security of their schools. The government should really have a deeper look into the rapid increase in the need for funding. Maybe if they reached out more to these schools then they could work on a way forward, for the sake of the community, the school and especially the learners.
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Thank you for your input. Yes I agree that the government should have a deeper look into impoverished schools. The government should have a policy that invests in installing computers inside impoverished schools. I truly believe that the issues I raised will benefit the community.
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Teachers should surely try there best to implement technology into the classrooms but they can only do that if they are trained well in that sector. But there is also a simpler way to bring technology into the classroom. We can do this by using the one thing many teens have, Cell phones.
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Thank you for that wonderful suggestion. I understand that almost every teen has a cellphone but not all of them have smartphones. It is a very good idea though. Thank you for your input. I am glad that you brought up this suggestion.
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Yes not all learners have smart phones yes, but they have access to at least one at home. If we talking about rural areas then yes, not many have access to it.
and you are most welcme.
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I agree that the integration of technology is very important. However, there are many schools in South Africa that cannot afford to implement technology in their classrooms. There are many households that can’t afford to pay school fees and this puts the schools in SA at a disadvantage because it means that they are struggling to pay their teachers. And because of this lack of funding, technology cannot be implemented.
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Thank you for your comment. All the concerns you raised are noted but in the end South Africa will have to embrace the 4th Industrial Revolution even if it takes ten years it has to. The country is lagging behind because the government cannot /fails to see that more schools need funding. Thank you.
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Thank you for sharing this informative post. I agree, that teachers are not adequately prepared in terms of intergrating ICT’s in everyday teaching. Teachers need to understand that ICT’s are transformational tools which, when used appropriately, can promote the shift to a learner-centered environment.
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Thank you. I agree with what you have said. Technology really does have a great impact on the way we teach. It really does create a learner centered environment. Thank you for your input. It really made an impression on me. Thank you.
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Very interesting blog. First of all, it is no secret that technology helps to improves and enhances education. However, it is costly and it is no use asking the South African government for funding because there’s just never funds. Your idea of having fundraisers sounds great, but when we look at what these funds need to cover(volunteers, workshops), it would just not be enough. I feel that for now schools that are under-resourced and have financial constraints should try and integrate technology gradually. For now, the traditional methods will have to do even though it is putting learners at a disadvantage.
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Thank you for your input. I agree that it won’t be very easy. I really like your suggestion of sticking to the old method for now and incorporating technology gradually. It really shows that you had paid careful attention to what I’ve written. Thank you so much.
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Whilst on teaching practice I noticed that a vaste majority of the teachers werent too keen on using technology in the classroom , they viewed it as a hindrance and distraction ,in my opinion I feel as though the teachers werent properly skilled and therefore they lacked understanding as to how to use technology to facilitate learning.
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I agree. They feel quite threatened by incorporating it into their everyday teaching. Yes there are many difficulties when it comes to getting older teachers to incorporate technology,but that’s why they are older teachers and should be shown how it actually improves performance. Then again they are very stubborn. So I am not sure whether they should be phased out. Thank you for your input.
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In agreement to your blog, teachers should be well trained because they are teaching a generation that are already exposed to technology. I am glad you stated some of the challenges that one could face and gave solutions to them. It is important that teachers attend workshops that shows how to use and make use of the technology tools because the students can only benefit from it. We need to produce students that can think critically and creatively.
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Thank you for your comment. Yes I agree we should produce learners that think critically and creatively. The issues I raised I do believe is good but there are many other challenges I had not stated. Thank you for your input.
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I agree 110% with you. It does take alot of effort to integrate technology and the problems thereof. But if we just take a minute and think how far technology can advance our country and in this case our education system, we would leap beyond compatibility. If every learner and teacher help to integrate we could lead well into the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
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Thank you for your wise comment. Most definitely with the help and cooperation of both learners and teachers we can leap into the Fourth Industrial Revolution. I feel that most importantly the best thing we can do is support the technological Era.
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With crime rate so High in South Africa Vandalism will never bee extinct, all I see Is that only schools who are already in good conditions will only be elavated
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I feel like that is very much true. I also have to disagree because at the same time if we don’t try and shape up and try and better the country and just accept it in this terrible state what kind of teachers would we be and also what future leaders would we be. I suggest we try and be more invested in uplifting the community. As well as trying to be more involved. Thank you for your insight.
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The only issue that i could truly think of with ICTs is that the older educators may struggle to adapt. With a change in perspective this might not be a problem at all.
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I hope too that older educators will change their perspective. Which is why I stated that they tend to stagnate and are not very transformative. What you are saying is a good solution. We need to think of a way of incotporating technology in such a way that they will be convinced to see the benefits.
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Wow very interesting after reading your blog I feel more aware of both side both positive and negative. I feel the incharge at schools should make it their first priority to get the teacher that are not willing to cooperate with the use of technology to start implementing it in their classrooms but first we need to get all schools on the same level of resources availability
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Thank you for your input. I really do feel that yes all schools should be on the same page. Yes they should get people to cooperate, by people I mean teachers who are reluctant to incorporate technology. After those two aspects are completed we can definitely welcome the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
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You made some really good points and I like the ideas about school security which puts less strain on the security of the school in these areas. Very insightful.
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Thank you for your input. I really feel like the concerns I raised were important but there are much more concerns that I really wished I had mentioned. Thank you so much I really appreciate that you think my blog was insightful.
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Everything has its cons and pros, same applies with this revolution. However, I feel like the negatives outweigh the positives. Teachers should be given enough training in order to integrate the use of technology in their classroom. We live in a very technological era and we must really get with times
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I agree teachers that are behind in technology should get with the times. I believe that once they get on board, it will be easier for the children to get on board. Thank you for your insight.
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