Title: ASSESSING YOUNG LEARNERS’ READINESS TO EMBRACE ICT FOR PEDAGOGICAL GAIN

Issue Number: Vol. 1, No. 3
Year of Publication: Jul - 2015
Page Numbers: 154-166
Authors: Perienen Appavoo, K M Sunjiv Soyjaudah, and Vinaye Armoogum
Journal Name: The International Journal of E-Learning and Educational Technologies in the Digital Media (IJEETDM)
- Hong Kong
DOI:  http://dx.doi.org/10.17781/P001829

Abstract:


The ubiquity of computers and their strong affordances for pedagogical gains are nourishing hope to impact learning in innovative ways. However the implementation of computer-based learning is still at a budding stage in many schools. One of the prerequisites for the successful integration of ICT in the learning process is the readiness of students to embrace the tool and this in turn depends on the ease with which they operate various technological devices. This research study aimed at investigating the current use of different technologies both at home and schools by 220 students of year 11 coming from 45 state and private schools. While learners made rather frequent use of such technologies at home for various purposes including learning, scant use was observed by the same students at schools. Various obstacles like restricted access to computers and inadequacy of appropriate multimedia learning materials were highlighted. Data analysis also revealed that students had a positive perception of ICT capacity to influence learning. The last part of the study investigated if there was any gender bias in the use of technology and the findings revealed that girls were at par with boys with regards to the different computer based activities and the perception of ICT as a .learning tool