From Classroom to Lab:ICT’s teaching Literacy, Numeracy in an African

Context

Leighton ForbesUniversity of Cape Town

Basis of the Research Case-Study

Computer Labs placed in marginal, sub-elite settings of the Western Cape of South Africa – a classroom ethnography

Pre-installed Reading software

Old and New Literacies

Learners engaging, disengaged?

Classroom inquiry

Student surveys

Graphing data

Challenges

• Passivity vs. Taking action• Power/Authority relations• Teacher reluctance and/or

apprehension

Potential of Technology

• Use technologies as a mediating tool• Infuse ICT integration into the school

curriculum

Results

• Technology set up restrictive/constrained• Technology set up productive/ creative

What Impact?• Empowering and Equipping Children• Customize learning experiences• Share responsibilities• Training of 21st Century teachersKey Factors for Success:• Scaffold student learning activities around new

tools• Teacher competence with technology integration• Develop learning communities around new

technologies

Conclusion…

Applicatio

n

Collaborati

on

Taking

Action

• Technology Integration into curriculum planning!!

Thank You

Leighton ForbesContact Details:www.about.me/leightonforbes