Science Tutors' Use of ICT in Planning: The 21st Perspective

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to find out how Science Tutors use ICT in planning Science Education lessons in Primary Teachers' Colleges (PTCs) in Uganda. A mixed methods approach was adopted where survey and case study designs were used. The data was collected using survey, interviews, documentary analysis and observation. The respondents used for data collection were administrators, student teachers and science tutors. The objectives that guided the study were finding out ICT tools used by science tutors and investigating how science tutors use ICT Tools in planning Science Education Lessons. It was discovered that ICT tools in PTCs were inadequate, science tutors mainly used smart phones and calculators, and developed text-based materials and had some ICT skills. In conclusion, colleges are less equipped with ICT tools and tutors need to be empowered with current ICT skills for planning science lessons.   It was recommended that government organizes ICT refresher courses for science tutors, Colleges be equipped with ICT tools and administrators to provide broad band internet connection.  This article is intended to help science teacher educators, administrators and science tutors   in reflecting on their roles in promoting the teaching of science education using ICT.