Abstract
This chapter clearly illustrates that emphasis on preparation of teachers to integrate ICT is gaining momentum in the education sector. Arguably, underpinning this emphasis is the convergence of assertions that ICT integration has the potential to enhance the quality of teaching and learning. Nonetheless, considering that the debate about effective teaching has overtime existed between two tensions, namely learner-centered and teacher-centered approaches, the additional concern now is how best to prepare teachers to integrate ICT. It is shown in this chapter that the best teaching approach is context specific since it facilitates the teachers' capacity to enhance student learning through quality teaching. The chapter reviews Teacher Professional Development programs in Sub-Saharan Africa and discusses what constitutes learner-centered education, ICT integration, and provides findings of a case study on preparation of science teachers using ICT.
TopIntroduction
Information Communication Technology (ICT) continues to permeate various aspects of the society today. Apparently, this is motivating the need to enhance integration of ICT in education, which ideally implies using ICT to facilitate effective teaching and learning process (Mishra & Koehler, 2006). There are numerous advantages associated with ICT in education. Particular to the attainment of Education for All (EFA) is the indication from studies that ICT has the potential to help broaden access to quality education that facilitates meaningful learning (UNESCO, 2007). This realization has intensified the advocacy for teachers to embrace ICT integration in education. Despite myriad advantages associated with ICT integration, their realization relies on effective ICT integration. This necessitates radical changes on the role of the teacher in the teaching and learning process. In support, Wellington (2000) urged that the teacher’s role becomes an extremely complex one requiring “flexibility and reflection, and often a change of attitude” (p. 219). One probable implication is the need to enhance preparation of teachers in ICT integration. Clearly, effective ICT integration is dependent on how well teachers are prepared to integrate ICT in their teaching. Therefore, it is important that through teacher professional development efforts, teachers encounter experiences that nurture effective ICT integration. This is important considering Levine’s (2006) observation that there are conflicting and competing beliefs globally on “issues as basic as when and where teachers should be educated, who should educate teachers, and what education is most effective in preparing teachers” (p. 12). This is a reasonable concern considering that providing quality education to citizens is a key twenty-first century exigency in socio-economic development agenda of a nation.
Key Terms in this Chapter
ICT Skills Development Approach: Comprises the addition of one or more ICT subjects within the teacher preparatory course.
Learner Centered: Affording learner opportunity to participate actively in learning.
ICT Integration: Using ICT to facilitate and enhance effective teaching and learning process.
Professional Development Teacher: An exemplary teacher who facilitates learning.
ICT Pedagogy Approach: Entails showing teachers how ICT can be integrated as teaching and learning tools across the curriculum.
Teacher Professional Development: Enhancing teacher’s capacity to facilitate meaningful learning.
Practice Driven Approach: Prepare teachers to design and develop implementable ICT facilitated classroom programs and products.
Meaningful Learning: Developing high order thinking that facilitates problem solving.
Subject-Specific Approach: Focuses on knowledge of the learning technologies that offer affordances to particular content areas best explained.
Re-Conceptualizing: Broadening perceptions about education and teaching career.