Transfer of Computer Knowledge and Skills to the Workplace: The Perspective of Primary School Heads

Abstract

The use of computer technology in schools has become a topical subject of enquiry among researchers globally. As in other countries, the government of Botswana has come up with policy on the use of computer technology in public schools in its effort to improve teaching and learning. For this initiative to be achieved, higher education institutions in the country are expected to provide knowledge and skills to school management teams and members of their teaching staff on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). This descriptive and qualitative study sought to find out whether primary school heads are using the computer knowledge and skills they acquired during in-service training at the University of Botswana in their schools. Using purposive sampling, 22 participants out of 26 who had volunteered to participate in the study responded to the questionnaire about the use of computers by school heads in primary schools. The result of the study shows that while school heads are willing to use computers in their schools, they have encountered some challenges, many of which are external and therefore, beyond their control. Further revealed is that there are a few school heads that do not see the use of computers as a priority, in spite of the knowledge and skills they possess. The study recommends further research to find out from regional officers the intervention measures that may be put in place to enable school heads to effectively use computer technology in primary schools.