International Journal of Education and Development using ICT

International Journal of Education and Development using ICT > Vol. 19, No. 1 (2023)

The Availability of Qualified Teachers and Computer Laboratories for Teaching Computer Studies in Public Secondary Schools in Zambia: A Case Study of Lusaka City

Tuesday Bwalya, The University of Zambia

Abstract
For schools to successfully deliver the computer studies curriculum, they should have, among other things, qualified teachers and computer laboratories. This study investigated the availability of qualified computer studies teachers and computer laboratories in public secondary schools in Lusaka City, Zambia. A mixed-methods approach was employed in which 61 schools out of 72 were randomly selected to take part in a survey, and this was followed by interviews, observations, interviews and documentary analysis. Among those surveyed, 50 schools completed the questionnaire, and the results show that 76% of computer studies teachers have qualifications in computer studies or information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the majority (55%) hold a diploma. However, there is a higher teacher-pupil ratio of as high as 1:276. The findings further show that 98% of the schools have computer laboratories and the majority have a lower computer-pupil ratio of 1:2 and 1:3. The results also show that data projectors and air conditioning units are available in many computer laboratories. However, many computer laboratories do not have servers and Internet connectivity. Given the above findings, it has been recommended that the Government of Zambia recruit more computer studies teachers and that school managers ensure the availability of facilities such as Internet connectivity in the computer laboratories.

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