Discuss and evaluate best practices through engaging in a literature review in order to document/report on, the influence of technology as an external determinant on the education systems of South Africa, Botswana and Zambia with referencing
Introduction:
South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia are three African countries that have experienced significant changes in their education sector as a result of various external determinants, including technology. Technology has influenced the education systems of these countries in many ways, from increasing access to education to transforming teaching and learning practices. This literature review aims to discuss and evaluate best practices in addressing the influence of technology as an external determinant on the education systems of South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia.
Access to Technology:
The availability and accessibility of technology are essential factors in determining the extent to which it influences the education system. According to the UNESCO report on “Smart Policies for Building Smart Schools,” South Africa has improved access to technology through government initiatives to increase the number of computers in schools (UNESCO, 2019). Botswana, on the other hand, has also invested heavily in ICT infrastructure, including increasing access to the Internet, which has led to the integration of technology in teaching and learning in the country's schools (Makgato, 2016).
Teaching and Learning:
The integration of technology in teaching and learning has also impacted the education systems of these countries. For example, in Zambia, the use of e-learning has led to the creation of virtual classrooms where students can participate in online lectures and discussions (Mpalu, 2020). In South Africa, technology has also impacted teaching and learning, with the introduction of digital tools, such as interactive whiteboards and tablets, which have transformed how lessons are delivered (Motsieng, 2018). Botswana has also embraced technology in teaching and learning, with the introduction of e-learning platforms and computer-based testing (BBC News, 2019).
Challenges:
Despite the positive impact of technology on education in these countries, there are also significant challenges that need to be addressed. The lack of technological infrastructure, including the lack of computers and reliable internet connectivity, remains a significant challenge in many schools. According to a survey by the World Economic Forum, South Africa ranks poorly in terms of access to ICT with just 37 percent of schools with access to the Internet (World Economic Forum, 2017). Similarly, in Zambia, the cost of internet access and the lack of technical expertise remain a significant challenge to the implementation of e-learning (Mpalu, 2020).
Conclusion:
In conclusion, technology is a significant external determinant that has influenced the education systems of South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia. Its impact on these countries has been positive, as it has increased access to education and transformed teaching and learning practices. However, there are still significant challenges that need to be addressed, including the lack of technological infrastructure and the cost of Internet access. Best practices can be emulated, such as investing in ICT infrastructure and training, creating digital learning resources, and fostering public-private partnerships to facilitate access to technology. Such measures will enhance the positive impact of technology on education systems in these countries and promote equitable access to education.
References:
BBC News. (2019). Botswana: Online exams for secondary school. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-49528786
Makgato, T. (2016). The impact of ICT on the education sector in Botswana. Journal of Education and Practice, 7(15), 108-113.
Motsieng, P. (2018). The impact of technology on education. Retrieved from https://www.skillsportal.co.za/content/impact-technology-education
Mpalu, G. (2020). E-learning in Zambia: Opportunities and challenges. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 17(1), 29.
UNESCO. (2019). Smart policies for building smart schools. Retrieved from https://en.unesco.org/themes/ict-education/smart-policies-building-smart-schools
World Economic Forum. (2017). South Africa ranks poorly in access to technology in education. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/05/south-africa-ranks-poorly-in-access-to-technology-in-education/
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To discuss and evaluate best practices regarding the influence of technology on the education systems of South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia, the first step is to conduct a literature review. This process entails searching for and analyzing existing scholarly articles, research papers, reports, and other relevant publications on the subject.
Here are the steps to conduct a literature review:
1. Identify key search terms: Start by determining the main keywords and phrases associated with your topic. In this case, relevant terms would include "technology," "education systems," "South Africa," "Botswana," and "Zambia."
2. Choose appropriate databases: There are various databases available for academic research, such as Google Scholar, ERIC, JSTOR, and Scopus. Select the ones that are most likely to have relevant publications on the influence of technology on education in these three countries.
3. Conduct an initial search: Begin your search using the identified keywords and combine them using Boolean operators (e.g., "AND," "OR," "NOT") to narrow down or broaden your results. For example, you can search for "technology AND education systems AND South Africa" or "technology AND education systems AND Zambia."
4. Refine search results: Review the search results and examine the titles, abstracts, and keywords to determine their relevance. Exclude any sources that do not fit the scope of your research. Additionally, take note of potential authors or sources that frequently appear in your search results, as they may offer valuable insights and references.
5. Access and read selected sources: Retrieve the full-text versions of the selected articles, papers, or reports. Read through them thoroughly, paying attention to the authors' arguments, methodologies, findings, and conclusions. Take notes on relevant information, including any references cited within the sources.
6. Follow citation trails: While reading the selected sources, take note of any references cited within them that are relevant to your research topic. These can provide additional insights and sources to explore. Follow these citation trails by locating and accessing the cited references.
7. Evaluate the quality of the sources: Assess the credibility and reliability of the sources you have gathered. Consider factors such as the author's credentials, the publication's reputation, the methodology used, and the overall rigor of the research. This evaluation will help ensure that you rely on reputable and accurate information.
8. Organize your findings: As you progress through the literature review, organize your findings by creating a database or spreadsheet. This will assist in managing and categorizing the information gathered from each source, including key points, methodologies used, and any relevant statistics or figures.
9. Analyze and synthesize the information: After reviewing and organizing multiple sources, begin analyzing the information gathered. Look for patterns, themes, similarities, and differences across the literature. Synthesize the findings to form a comprehensive overview of the influence of technology on education systems in South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia.
10. Document and report your findings: Once you have completed the literature review and analysis, it is important to document and report your findings accurately. Clearly outline the main points, trends, and best practices identified, ensuring that you reference the sources you have used throughout the review correctly. Use a consistent referencing style, such as APA or MLA, to provide accurate citations and avoid plagiarism.
Remember, a literature review serves as a crucial foundation for your research, providing a comprehensive understanding of the current knowledge and best practices regarding the influence of technology on education systems in South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia.