The Use of ICT In Tanzanian Secondary Schools: Experienced Obstacles in the Teaching and Learning Processes

Abstract

This study investigated the obstacles to using ICT in Tanzanian secondary schools' teaching and learning process. A mixed-methods approach and descriptive research were employed, whereas questionnaires, interviews and observation guides were used for  information gathering. The study applied simple random sampling to obtain 18 schools from a population of 36 secondary schools in  Magu district. Data were collected from 154 respondents (100 teachers, 36 students, and 18 parents) who were selected from the  sampled schools. The findings revealed that there is a challenge for most teachers to integrate ICT into secondary education. Likewise,  inadequate technical support is a limitation to using ICT in the teaching and learning process. Moreover, most respondents indicated that  there are insufficient ICT resources and inadequate ICT training, which hinder the use of ICT. The study concludes that a low level of  teachers' ICT competence, lack of technical support, insufficient ICT resources and inadequate ICT training are the major challenges that hinder teachers from employing ICT in the teaching and learning process. The study suggested that investment in ICT training of  teachers and cultivating a positive mindset towards ICT is crucial for the better future of ICT in education. Additionally, school  administrators should empower teachers towards basic ICT skills by supporting ICT in-service training and allocating sufficient ICT  resources. The government must allocate and provide sufficient funds to the schools to facilitate in-service teacher training. In addition,  the government's support in terms of funds provision and other incentives will ensure the promising future of ICT in schools. Other  education stakeholders, such as parents, in collaboration with school management, should spearhead the school efforts to facilitate  inservice training for teachers and students. Likewise, for a better future of ICT, the provision0of technical0support to schools and  supporting maintenance of ICT infrastructures is inevitable.