PERCEPTIONS OF TEACHERS AND LEARNERS ON THE USE OF ICTS IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN ZAMBIA: A CASE OF SELECTED  SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KABWE DISTRICT

Owen Mulima; Melvin Simuchimba

Owen Mulima Kwame Nkrumah University
Melvin Simuchimba University of Zambia

Keywords: Attitudes, Perception, ICTs, Religious Education, Computer

Abstract

Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) are widely being integrated in most sectors of the Zambian society including education. This study thus, investigated the perceptions of teachers and learners on the use of ICTs in the teaching and learning of Religious Education (RE)in three selected secondary schools in Kabwe District of Zambia. This was necessitated by the fact that so much had been said about the use of ICTs in science-based subjects but little, if any, is known about the use of ICTs in the teaching and learning of RE. The main objective of the study was, to establish the perceptions of teachers and learners on the use of ICTs in the teaching and learning of RE in the selected secondary schools. A survey design involving the use of qualitative methods was employed in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions, and non-participant observations. Data were mainly in form of views and opinions. Analysis of the data was accomplished through thematic analysis, which revealed recurring themes from the data. The findings of the study were that ICTs were valuable pedagogical tools in enhancing the teaching and learning of RE. Teachers perceived that ICTs promoted participation, ambiance transformation in class, creativity, motivation, easier understanding, and higher retention levels among learners. In other words, this study showed that teachers and learners consider ICTs as beneficial to RE as they create a more enabling environment that best fits the present social scenario of increased ICTs in Zambia. Arising from the findings of the study, it was recommended that: the Ministry of Education and school authorities should provide schools with more modern ICTs including computers. The ministry should consider the possibility of creating the position of Education Standards Officer-ICTs at district and provincial levels to oversee the correct and safe use of ICTs in RE (and other school subjects). The Ministry of Education and the Zambia Information Communications Technology Authority should formulate an effective e-safety policy to regulate the safe use of ICTs in schools.

Author Biographies

Owen Mulima, Kwame Nkrumah University

Owen Mulima is a lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies Education of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Kwame Nkrumah University (KNU). He holds a Cert Social Work, Dip Ed, BA Ed and M Ed (Rel. Studies & Education) from the University of Zambia (UNZA). He teaches Religious Studies Education and Religious Education Teaching Methods and has published scholarly articles in the two areas.

Melvin Simuchimba, University of Zambia

Melvin Simuchimba (PhD) is a Senior Lecturer in the Department Religious and Cultural Studies of the School of Education at the University of Zambia (UNZA). He holds a Diploma in Education, a Bachelor of Arts from UNZA, Master of Arts in Religious Studies and Education from Leeds University, and Doctor of Literature and Philosophy (Rel. Education) from the University of South Africa (UNISA). He has published many scholarly articles and book chapters in the two areas, the most recent being: ’Towards a National Policy for Religious Education in Zambia’ in the ZJRCI (2021) and ‘Perceptions of Non-Christian Learners, Parents and Religious Leaders on Senior secondary School Religious Education in Ndola District of Zambia’ in Zambian Journal of Education (2022). His research interests include: the practice of RE, RE teacher education, education and religion, and religion and society.