Discuss and evaluate best practices through engaging in literature review in order to document report on the influence of technology as external determinant on the education system of South Africa, Kenya and Botswana
Introduction:
Education plays a very crucial role in the development of any nation. The quality of education offered to learners determines the level of intellectualism, productivity, and creativity that the society will have. There is a growing concern among scholars, researchers, and policymakers about the impact of technology on the education system in Africa. This essay will review the existing literature on the influence of technology as an external determinant on the education system of South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana. Additionally, the essay will evaluate the best practices identified in the reviewed literature and will provide recommendations for improving the integration of technology in the education systems of these countries.
Influence of technology on the education system:
Technology has brought about significant changes in the education system of many countries in Africa. This has been particularly evident in the integration of e-learning and digital libraries in the education systems of South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana. According to Peter (2017), the introduction of technology in these countries has led to an increased access to educational materials for both learners and educators. The use of digital libraries has made books and other learning materials readily available, which has significantly reduced the cost of education. The integration of technology has also enabled the education system to address issues of equity and inclusivity by promoting distance learning, which has enabled learners from different parts of the country to access education.
Additionally, technology has increased the quality of education. The integration of technology has enabled educators to use a variety of media and tools to present educational content, which has significantly enhanced the learning experience. As such, technology has fostered creativity and innovation in the education sector (Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 2018).
Best practices for integrating technology in the education system:
There are various best practices identified in the reviewed literature that have been effective in the integration of technology in the education system. These practices include the provision of digital devices to learners, the use of online platforms for assessments, the training of teachers on technology integration, the utilisation of digital libraries, the use of social media for communication, and the establishment of partnerships between the education sector and the technology industry.
According to a study by Ayonga et al. (2019), the provision of digital devices to learners has been one of the most effective practices in South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana. This has enabled learners to access educational material at any time, and from any place. Additionally, the use of online platforms for assessments has enabled educators to evaluate learners' understanding of the content quickly. This has enabled the teachers to identify the areas that need improvement, which has significantly enhanced the learning experience.
Furthermore, the training of teachers on technology integration has been effective in enhancing their teaching skills. The use of digital libraries has been particularly effective in reducing the cost of education and promoting equity and inclusivity. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (2018), the utilisation of social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter for communication has enabled educators and learners to exchange ideas and engage in discussions.
Recommendations:
To improve the integration of technology in the education system of South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana, there is a need to enhance the implementation of the identified best practices while addressing the challenges encountered. These challenges include inadequate infrastructure, limited access to technology, insufficient funding, and lack of trained personnel.
To address these challenges, policymakers should develop plans that promote the provision of adequate infrastructure, availability of digital devices, provision of funds for technology integration, and training of personnel. Additionally, policymakers should establish partnerships between the education sector and technology industry to enhance access to technology and foster innovation.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this essay has reviewed the literature on the influence of technology on the education system of South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana. It has been established that technology has brought about significant changes in the education system, including increased access to educational materials, enhanced quality of education, and the promotion of innovation and creativity. Additionally, various best practices have been identified, including the provision of digital devices to learners, the use of online platforms for assessments, the training of teachers on technology integration, the utilisation of digital libraries, and the use of social media for communication. To improve the integration of technology in the education sector, policymakers must enhance the implementation of the identified best practices while addressing the challenges encountered.
To discuss and evaluate best practices for conducting a literature review on the influence of technology as an external determinant on the education systems of South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana, follow these steps:
Step 1: Identify the research topic and focus
Clearly define the research topic: "The influence of technology as an external determinant on the education system of South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana." Be specific about the aspects of technology and education you want to investigate.
Step 2: Define inclusion and exclusion criteria
Define the criteria for including and excluding sources. For example, you may choose to include only peer-reviewed articles, published within the last ten years, and written in English or other relevant languages.
Step 3: Identify relevant databases and search terms
Identify the databases that are likely to contain relevant literature, such as academic journals, educational databases, and conference proceedings. Develop a list of relevant keywords and phrases related to technology and education in South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana.
Step 4: Conduct the literature search
Use the identified databases and search terms to find relevant literature on the topic. Modify and refine the search as needed. Save or bookmark the articles that seem relevant for further evaluation.
Step 5: Evaluate the literature
Assess the quality and relevance of the selected sources. Consider factors such as the credibility of the author, the publication venue, and the methodologies used in the research. Determine the strengths and weaknesses of each source, and keep track of the key findings, arguments, and perspectives.
Step 6: Synthesize the information
Identify common themes, trends, and patterns across the selected literature. Determine how technology is influencing the education systems of South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana. Evaluate the impact on various stakeholders, such as students, teachers, policymakers, and communities.
Step 7: Analyze and discuss the findings
Critically analyze the synthesized information and draw conclusions about the influence of technology on the education systems in the three countries. Identify any gaps or limitations in the existing literature. Discuss the implications of the findings and propose recommendations for further research or potential interventions.
Step 8: Document the report
Create a structured report that incorporates the research question, objectives, methodology, findings, and conclusions. Use proper referencing to acknowledge the sources consulted. Ensure that the report is well-organized and coherent, presenting the information in a logical and easy-to-understand manner.
By following these steps, you can systematically review the literature and provide an evidence-based analysis of the influence of technology on the education systems of South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana.
Engaging in a literature review is a crucial step in documenting a report on the influence of technology as an external determinant on the education system of South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana. It allows you to explore the existing body of knowledge, identify best practices, and critically evaluate the available evidence. Let's discuss the best practices for conducting a thorough literature review:
1. Clearly define your research question: Start by clearly defining the scope and objective of your study. In this case, your research question could be: "What is the influence of technology on the education system of South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana?"
2. Formulate search terms: Develop a list of keywords and phrases related to your research question. Consider terms such as "technology in education," "education system," "South Africa," "Kenya," and "Botswana."
3. Identify relevant databases: Select appropriate databases to search for relevant literature. Commonly used databases include Google Scholar, ERIC, JSTOR, and academic library catalogs specific to each country.
4. Conduct a systematic search: Use your identified keywords to search for relevant articles, reports, and studies. Initially, cast a wide net by searching for general terms and then narrow down your search with more specific keywords.
5. Screen and select articles: Review the titles, abstracts, and keywords of the retrieved articles to assess their relevance. Exclude articles that are not directly related to your research question or do not meet your inclusion criteria.
6. Read and critically evaluate selected articles: Read through the selected articles carefully, analyzing their methodologies, findings, limitations, and conclusions. Take notes on key points, evidence, and insights that are relevant to your research question.
7. Cite key references: Pay attention to articles that are commonly cited by others. These are likely to be influential sources in your field. Check the references within articles you find to uncover additional relevant literature.
8. Synthesize the findings: Analyze the themes, patterns, similarities, and differences across the literature to gain a comprehensive understanding of the influence of technology on the education systems of South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana. Identify trends, best practices, challenges, and gaps in the existing research.
9. Document and report your findings: Organize the information you have gathered into a coherent and structured report. Clearly present the influence of technology on the education systems of South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana, including evidence, best practices, and any limitations identified during your review.
10. Reflect on the limitations: When evaluating the literature, be mindful of any limitations or biases that might exist. Consider the quality, relevance, and generalizability of the sources. Address any limitations in your report and suggest opportunities for future research.
By following these best practices, you will be able to conduct a robust literature review and document a comprehensive report on the influence of technology as an external determinant on the education system of South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana.