Dissertation (MA Education)
The central purpose of this study was to investigate ICT courses in education
program at SUZA; focusing on their effectiveness in teacher preparation. The study
was mainly qualitative case study supported by some elements of quantitative data.
Using both random and purposive sampling techniques, a total of 104 respondents;
70 third year university student teachers, 30 ex-student teachers, 3 ICT lecturers and
a head of ICT department at SUZA participated in the study. Data were gathered
through interviews, questionnaires, observation and documentary review. The data
were analyzed using the framework for analyzing data in mixed methods research.
Findings revealed that ICT programs at SUZA had double role, as a tool to facilitate
teaching and learning and core to be studied by student teachers studying education.
ICT infrastructures at SUZA are not in good state to prepare quality teachers with
ICT skills and knowledge for their future teaching career. Also, ICT integration in
teaching and learning is done by both lecturers and student teachers in various
teaching and learning activities. However, lectures and student teachers perceived
that ICT resources, time to complete ICT content and poor background of ICT
knowledge among student teacher deterred preparation of competent ICT teacher for
their future teaching career.
The study recommends that in order to prepare competent teachers with ICT
knowledge and skills, SUZA has to review its ICT course content; improve ICT
resources, and assess student teachers, during TP on how ICT is applied in teaching
and learning. Finally, the government through MoEVT is encouraged to make ICT
learning compulsory subject to all students from primary to secondary schools so that
all learners acquire these basic tools of modern life and work.