Student Perceptions on ICT Use in Teaching and Learning in Public Secondary Schools in Mbeya District, Tanzania

Abstract

Global teaching and learning process modernization heavily depends on the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the classroom. For educational methods to be implemented and improved in Tanzania, particularly in the Mbeya District, it is critical to comprehend how students view the incorporation of ICT in their education. This study explores how students in public secondary schools feel about using ICT for teaching and learning, as well as their experiences and preferences in this area. The objectives of the study were to assess students' attitudes towards the integration of ICT in teaching and learning to examine students' experiences with ICT use in their educational environment, to identify the challenges students face in utilizing ICT for academic purposes and to explore the suggestions for improving the integration of ICT in education. Several tools were used in the data collection namely questionnaire, interview and secondary data. In this study, a sample of a total 60 respondents were drawn from two secondary schools found in the Mbeya district. In this study 40 filled the questionnaires and 20 teachers were interviewed. The combination of these techniques provides a thorough comprehension of the viewpoints of students and teachers on ICT integration in the teaching and learning processes. The study found that most of the students had a positive attitude towards ICT integration in in the teaching and learning process as it facilitates better access to learning materials, increased involvement via interactive learning environments, and the possibility of customised learning experiences. The study recommended to hold interactive training sessions, put in place a strong feedback mechanism, and highlight effective case studies of ICT integration in education to boost student involvement and favourable perception on ICT use in teaching and learning process to secondary school students found in Mbeya district Tanzania.