An Exploration on the Impact of Mobile Computing Systems in Private Schools

Abstract

The study explored the impact of mobile computing systems in private schools. It focused on two private schools in Harare. The sample comprised of forty students and ten teachers and two school administrators. Questionnaires and interviews were used to solicit data from the teachers and the pupils. The findings from the study revealed that face book, twitter and two are seen by many educators as a frivolous, time-wasting and distractive. Some respondents suggested that there is need to block these social networks as a form of protecting students against wasting time, bullying, and invasions of privacy. On a positive note it promotes a participatory culture which consists of a space that allows engagement, sharing, mentoring, and an opportunity for social interaction. It was also established that in private schools low usage is caused by school policies that prohibit the use of games. All participants acknowledged the use of mobile computing system in private schools by both teachers and pupils. They proposed that it will facilitate easy access to the internet for research purposes during the learning and teaching endeavours. They can also access online books, databases, notes, presentations including audio and video files. As a result it promotes collaborative learning. Communication is also enhanced through the use of emails. The researchers recommended schools should come up with ICT policy that can reduce challenges of prohibiting making or receiving of calls, watching video and playing music during lessons. Strict measures should be put in place to further block students from visiting unproductive websites. Schools should introduce loans where teachers, pupils and administration staff can borrow to buy the much needed mobile computing systems