Practices of Luganda Language Educators in Using Emerging Technologies at the School of Education, Makerere University

Abstract

The study explored practices of Luganda language educators at the School of Education, Makerere University in using emerging technologies. The study analyzed the practices of Luganda language educators in using emerging technologies; identified the emerging technologies used in Luganda language instruction; and established the factors influencing the practices of Luganda language educators in emerging technologies. The study paradigm was interpretivism with a case design. The study participants were purposively selected Luganda language teacher educators and conveniently sampled students specializing in Luganda Language as one of the teaching subjects. Data were collected using interview guide, focused group discussion guide and observation check list and analyzed using thematic content data analysis technique. Findings revealed that Luganda language educators practiced use of emerging technologies, such as Zoom and Google meet apps, MUELE platform, mails, Telegrams, WhatsApp, laptops, smart phones as well as computers, among others for lectures through sharing learning material with learners, providing feedback, conducting online assessment, and conducting lectures via the online platforms. The study concluded that Luganda teacher educators practiced emerging technologies to teach, send materials, course works, and submission of course works and assessment and grading of learners. Luganda teacher educators practiced emerging technologies through preparation for teaching, selection of Luganda content and teaching aids. The study concluded that the most practiced emerging technologies during Luganda language teaching were the moodle system in form of MUELE, video conferencing, Zoom, and Google meet and WhatsApp, Facebook, and Youtube, among others. The study also concluded that the factors influencing practices of Luganda language teachers were; favorable University policy, availability of electric power, internet connectivity, availability of merging technological tools such as smart mobile phones, pads, laptops and or computers, among others, as well as use of offline platforms, such as distributing class notes via CDs and flash disks for use on online computers. From the study findings, the study recommends that Luganda language educators should adopt, apply and maintain excellent practices with use of the emerging technologies. This could be done through encouragement of online lectures via platforms such as MUELE; they should also continuously upload academic material on online platforms such as Whatsapp, hold academic engagements / sessions via google meet, conduct online assessment and provide feedback to learners online. Such practices will not only improve their skills with emerging technologies, but shall also deepen their knowledge as well as shape a positive attitude and adoption of emerging technologies for effective Luganda language teaching and learning.

Keywords: Practices, Emerging Technologies, Luganda Language Educators

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-2-07

Publication date: January 31^st 2023