Challenges being faced in the implementation and integration of information and communication technology at early childhood development in Glenview, Mufakose District.

Abstract

This study sought to establish the challenges being faced in the integration and implementation of ICT at ECD level in schools within Gleview-Mufakose District, Harare Province, Zimbabwe. Four primary schools in Gleview-Mufakose District participated in the study. Focus group discussions, observations and interviews were used as research instruments. Literature related to the topic was reviewed in Chapter Two in order to get an insight on the topic so as to develop a framework upon which findings are based. The findings revealed that there are indeed some challenges in the implementation and integration of ICT in schools. The major problems were limited ICT resources and infrastructure; teacher’s lack of ICT knowledge, skills and competences; inadequate financial resources for procurement of new ICT materials and maintenance of the already available resources and poor support from the government, administrators and the corporate world. The study recommended the government through the relevant ministries to assist in the provisioning of adequate material resources and infrastructure. Schools on the other hand were recommended to create specific ICT budgets to buy ICT resources, service and maintain them; purchase varied software developmentally appropriate for ECD learners. Schools were also recommended to send their ICT teachers for ICT refresher courses. Finally, school heads were recommended to engage the parents and the corporate world and form Public Private Partnership (PPP) with whom they could ensure the smooth running of ICT departments in their respective schools.