Abstract
Research on the use of technology in educational settings has tended to focus on the impact of technology on the educational outcomes. The other area that that has long been ignored in this research field, when it should form an integral part of research in educational technology, is historical background and views of the students on the technology’s role in achieving educational goals. The research theory that is relevant in this regard is cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) to additional language learning in education that is drawn from the cultural-historical psychology theory. One-hundred and five participants completed a survey questionnaire. The findings reveal that 66% of the respondents come from families where there are no computers at home and 57% have no good knowledge of computer use even though 53% claim to have been introduced to the use of computers at their last schools. Despite this, the respondents show overwhelming support for the use of technology in higher education. The results are important in that they give hope on the acceptance and possible independent use of technology by students to improve their English proficiency once they have been introduced to technology in language learning.
Highlights
The use of technology in developing countries’ education systems, such as South Africa where even the distribution of school textbooks can be an issue that is sometimes taken to courts before it materialises, is not yet well explored
Itnewsafrica.com (2013) notes that the SA High-tech Student 2013 research study conducted among 1 435 South African tertiary students revealed that the participants were unanimous that the social media, which they access through technology, enhances their academic lives and could even help them during exam time
Section A of the questionnaire consisted of nine questions that attempted to establish the biographical background of the participants and their familiarity with the kind of technology the researchers would use
Summary
The use of technology in developing countries’ education systems, such as South Africa where even the distribution of school textbooks can be an issue that is sometimes taken to courts before it materialises, is not yet well explored. Elkins (2013) reports on a one tablet per child project at an ex model C school called Sunward Park High that is situated in Boksburg (Johannesburg). This project was made possible by a donation from a local businessman rather than by the government. Itnewsafrica.com (2013) notes that the SA High-tech Student 2013 research study conducted among 1 435 South African tertiary students revealed that the participants were unanimous that the social media, which they access through technology, enhances their academic lives and could even help them during exam time
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