Use of tablet computers to facilitate videos to support self-reflection of in-service teacher training in rural areas

Abstract

Many schools in rural, disadvantaged areas do not have necessary teaching materials and have poor infrastructure due to their impoverished economic background. Due to the poor infrastructure and no financial assistance in these schools, students and teachers often stick to the old traditional methods of teaching and not explore/integrate new methods and technologies. Recent trends in ICT development, education and modern technology tools have given rise to diverse application and integration of modern tools in the education system in the rural areas. One such application is the use of tablet PCs for self-reflection in teacher trainings. This thesis aims to understand, how tablet PCs can be used for video-based self-reflection of in-service teacher trainings in rural area schools to enhance their teaching practices. After critical examination of the existing research studies in the same area of context in schools of developed countries, a solution was designed to be carried out in a rural school in Southern Africa. To achieve this, the Design Science Research method has been adapted by designing the solution/artefact on the usage of tablet PCs for video-based self-reflection by secondary teachers in rural schools and then implemented in a rural school in Zimbabwe. The intervention conducted includes both technological and pedagogical approach, and the results of the intervention are captured through observation and semi-structured interview. Four teachers participated in the intervention, under the supervision of a Teacher Trainer and videos were recorded during their teaching. All four teachers were observed by two observers, and three teachers were interviewed (semi-structured interview)....