Computer Aided Teaching Unpacked: Exploring Into Methods Of Using The Computer As A Teaching Tool For Ordinary Level Students: A Case Study Of Secondary Schools In Shurugwi Urban Cluster

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to unpack computer aided teaching. It focuses on an

exploration into the methods of using a computer as a teaching tool for ordinary level

students in Shurugwi District Urban Cluster located in the Midlands Province. A multiple

case study approach was used to gather relevant data required for the study. Three School

Heads, three computer science teachers and six pupils from form three and four

purposively participated in the study. The research attempted to achieve triangulation in

data gathering instruments through incorporating interviews as the main instrument

complemented by document analysis and non-participant observation. The data collected

was critically analysed to find out the extent of computer aided teaching application in the

classroom to teach ordinary level students. Research findings revealed that teachers are

not fully embracing computer aided teaching to a greater extent mainly due to lack of

adequate computer resources for use to apply computer aided teaching and lack of support

from the school administrations to financially support the department with enough

resources. Pupils interviewed indicated that they enjoyed learning using the computer and

research has suggested the computer to be a good teaching aid. The study recommends

that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education officials (computer studies subject

inspectors) in particular must organize seminars and workshops to help alert the School

Heads and other stakeholders (teachers and parents) on the importance of this new

dispensation of computer aided teaching and that it can be applied to all other subjects of

the school curriculum.

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