The Integration of ICT in Primary Education – Examination of the Global African Southern African Contexts

Abstract

This paper examines the integration and uses of information and communication technology (ICT) in primary school education over the past decade – globally, continentally, nationally and regionally. An analysis of ICT educational public policy in the global, African, and South African contexts at the primary or foundation level is undertaken. A regional case study of the Gauteng province ICT rollout is also evaluated. The paper aims to provide a synopsis of efforts employed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the African Union (AU), the South African Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), towards integrating ICT in education. The case study of the GDE rollout of ICT aims to demonstrate the progress and persistent challenges of this endeavour. While it is accepted that ICT in education has administrative, curriculum and pedagogical value, the socio-economic and socio-cultural factors that influence and inhibit access, adoption, use and integration are explored.

Keywords: ICT; education; e-education; technology; integration; primary schools

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/15-10-09

Publication date: September 30th 2024