An ICT Approach for Implementing Emerging Technologies for Teaching and Learning in Low Resource Communities: Lessons Learnt from Namibia

Abstract

The growth of technology is clearly evident in all nations, although its benefits in some sectors are more visible than in others. It is clear that ICTs could be used to improve service deliveries, but there are several current challenges and fears among low resource community dwellers. In this workshop paper, emerging technologies in education which include an interactive mobile learning application and new electronic reading devices for Namibian Schools are discussed. The paper explains how each of the studies was conducted and lays out the findings from each of the studies. Our major aim is to design an ICT approach that could be used in Namibia to implement emerging technologies within the Namibian education system. We focus on exploring the current state and challenges that ICT service providers might be faced with in implementing new approaches in Namibia’s education system. We intend to engage other ICT researchers to design a new ICT model which could be used in introducing emerging ICTs in low resource areas.

A case study qualitative approach was used. This was supported by data collection methods such as interviews and focus groups, as well as by data analysis paradigms such as Grounded Theory. Results from the studies showed negative results which may hamper implementation of the new technologies in Namibian schools. For example, implementing e-readers in Namibian schools, the Namibian education stakeholders were supportive of the idea but sceptical of its current viability. They appreciate the potential benefits that the e-readers could provide, but mentioned that a lot has to be done first in terms of establishing the supporting ICT infrastructure. We concluded that there is lack of a guiding approach that could be followed in implementing emerging technologies in low resource areas. This workshop paper provides the findings from the engaged participants and lessons learnt from the studies. The focus of this paper is to outline the views of education stakeholders in Namibia on the implementation of new ICTs.