scholarly journals Impact of Out-of-School Time Technology Integration Modelling on Mathematics Performance: A Case of Primary Schools in Meru District, Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (Issue 4) ◽  
pp. 75-88
Author(s):  
Thadei A. Kiwango

This study sought to establish the impact of modelling technology integration for of Out-of-School Time (OST) learning on the performance in Mathematics in primary schools. The study adopted a mixed approach where both quantitative and qualitative data were analysed. The study employed an experimental design involving the experimental and the control groups. Each of the two groups comprised three (3) schools, making a total of six out of 152 primary schools in Meru District. The findings reveal a statistically significant difference in mean scores between the control and the experimental group. The study concluded that modelling of technology integration for OST learning is attributed to significant improvements in performance of Mathematics in primary schools. Apart from building pupils’ interest, confidence and creativity in mathematics, technology integration modelling enticed teachers, parents and pupils to collaboratively dedicate more time and commitment in favour of the mathematics subject. The study recommends that school administrators and teachers need to cooperate with parents to encourage and support primary school children to embrace positive use of educational technology particularly in OST learning.

Author(s):  
Dr. Thadei A. Kiwango

This paper determines the impact of modelling technology integration for of out-of-school (OST) learning on academic achievement in primary schools. The research was conducted in Arusha Region, specifically in Meru District. The paper adopted the experimental design, involving experimental and control groups. Each of the two groups comprised three (3) schools, making a total of six (6) schools. The experiment was conducted using Digital Video Disks (DVDs), mobile phones, notebooks and home assignment booklets. The tools were further supplemented by a list of perceived best practices, and examination papers. The findings reveal a statistically significant difference in mean scores between the control and experimental groups as confirmed by 95% confidence level whereby, F (1, 180) = 28.63, p=0. Based on the findings, null hypothesis was rejected, leading to the conclusion that the proposed model for OST technology integration is attributed to significant improvements in academic achievement for primary school OST learners. The implication of these findings is for researchers, and other educational stakeholders, including the government to invest in devising contextually relevant model, and mobilizing parents, teachers and learners with a view to hastening technology integration in order to improve academic achievements for primary school pupils. There is also a need for studies that further explore technology integration opportunities, and associated challenges in a bid to addressing poor academic performance among primary school pupils.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynn Albers ◽  
Karen Lindsay ◽  
Janice Hemric ◽  
Laura Bottomley ◽  
Jade Tucker ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Dr. Thadei Kiwango

This paper is a determination of use of digital technology for instructional purposes in out of school environment. The paper specifically explores the awareness of primary school pupils on the significance of using computers, access to computers and the ability to use computers. A total of 458 pupils were selected from 9 primary schools in three (3) divisions of Meru District in Arusha Region. The findings of the study shows that only 18.8% of pupils were aware of the usefulness of computers, while even smaller percentage of pupils (9.6%) had computers at home. On the other hand, only 16.6% of pupils could use computers. On the basis of the findings, it could be inferred that although some pupils are aware that computers can potentially facilitate learning, they are not adequately available at home, while also quite few pupils can use them. On the basis of these observations; the government, school administrators and other stakeholders in education should work together to raise pupils’ awareness of the usefulness of computers, along with making computers available and enabling pupils to make use of them to improve learning both in regular classroom and out of school time. At the bottom line, studies that are geared towards exploring the robust approaches which not only can raise pupils’ awareness but can more importantly make families see the importance of availing computers to their school children while at the same time encouraging pupils to use computers to improve their learning at school and out of school time are inevitable.


Author(s):  
Dr. Thadei A. Kiwango

This paper identifies the best practices in the use of educational technology during out-of-school time learning. The study was conducted in Arusha, Dar es Salaam and Mwanza regions in Tanzania. A preliminary study was first carried out to establish actual practices in the use of educational technology among learners. Learners were asked to state the actual practices that they apply in using the educational technology. The most frequent perceived best practices were used as a benchmark in constructing a questionnaire which was later administered to the respondents from the research regions for them to rank the perceived best practices. The findings suggest that effective use of educational technology demands users jot down key ideas, pay due attention to the media, identify problem areas, and keep records of essential programmes for future reference. Additionally, learners have to adhere to the schedules, and avoid unintended programmes especially those forbidden by adults. These findings call for the joint efforts among educational stakeholders especially school administrators, teachers and parents to ensure that learners in both public and private schools actually embrace the best practices in the course of using Information Communication Technology (ICT) with a view to creating enabling OST learning environment among learners and ultimately improve academic performance. Furthermore, studies need to be done to find the best ways the findings of this study could apply to other countries and higher levels of education.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document