Barriers to effective digital teaching in rural schools

Abstract

Technology has no doubt changed the way we interact and behave in our daily lives. The traditional learning spaces have adapting to be transformed into a digital space. In order for this transformation to be successful, there must be stable Internet access and available Information Communication and  Technology (ICT). The cost of Internet access and electricity challenges are a major challenge the rural child and teacher faces. This is quantitative and qualitative research which focused on ICT usage in rural schools in the King Cetshwayo District Municipality (KCDM). Findings reveal that 57.7% of  respondents affirmed the deficiency of skills to utilize ICT with the curriculum. Thus, implement of ICT usage in the classroom is unsuccessful. Moreover, the majority of the respondents (59.5%) indicated that they have inadequate ICT skills. Training in ICT is essential. Findings also advised that a comparative study be done between teachers from rural and urban schools.

Keywords: digital teaching, ICTs, rural schools, digital revolution