Computer training programme for primary school teachers in teacher training institutions of the southern region of Botswana

Abstract

Botswana does not intend to be left behind in the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the support of research, education, development and communication with the rest of the world. It intends to introduce computers with connections to the Internet and computer-based communication to all schools. Excellence in Education for the New Millenium (Ministry of Education, 1999), indicates that computer skills will be integrated and infused into the core and optional subjects at the upper primary level. This needs certain preparations such as teacher empowerment with ICT skills. Thus, to find out what preparations are being made, a study was conducted to investigate the status of computer training at Tertiary Teacher Training Institutions (TTTIs), preparing primary school teachers, in the southern region of Botswana. The sample comprised of two diploma-offering colleges of education, and one degree-offering institution of Botswana. The study revealed that computer training is not very effective in colleges of education, whereas in the degree-offering institution the situation is much better. Recommendations are made to make the computer training more effective.