| This study sought to investigate the readiness of teachers in integrating ICT in teaching and learning in Malawian secondary schools with the purpose of determining how best the teachers can be assisted or prepared to be ready for the integration of technological tools in teaching and learning.The study was qualitative as the method helped the researcher generate relevant responses from the participants of the study.The study used interviews which provided in-depth information and knowledge on the current situation of ICT integration,the readiness and abilities of teachers in secondary schools.The population sample included teachers and ministry officials The study deployed the theory of Diffusion of Innovations.The theory seeks to explain how,why,and at what rate new ideas and technology spread through cultures.The Diffusion of Innovations theory was the most appropriate for investigating the factors influencing integration of ICT in secondary schools in the Malawian context because it tries to explain how an innovation,which may be about an idea,behavior,or object,is adopted among populationThe study made a number of findings.First,it found that there were a number of pertinent issues pertaining to current situation of teachers'readiness for ICT integration in secondary schools The study found that most teachers lacked awareness on the existence of the National ICT Policy although most of them have an understanding of ICT and its relevant aspects in integrating it into teaching.Further,the study also found that the teachers supported the ICT integration citing its relevance in the global village today.In addition,the study also found that the teachers were aware of resources that were needed to effectively implement ICT integration in their teaching such as the technical know-how as most teachers argued that they lacked in-depth knowledge of the operations.The second major finding of the study related to challenges teachers are faced in integrating ICT in the classroom.The study revealed that teachers do encounter many barriers which included lack of competence,lack of trainings,negative attitude,limited time,lack of access to ICT resources,lack of sufficient and reasonable time for ICT lesson delivery and intermittent power supplyThe study also found that the challenges to teachers' readiness in ICT integration have possible solutions which were obtained from the research participants.The study found that there is demand for stakeholders to take necessary efforts to successfully integrate ICT in Secondary schools.It was suggested that the Government needs to enhance both pre-service and in-service trainings to teachers in the pedagogical issues related to ICT integrationThe study's findings present an opportunity to various stakeholders such as the Ministry of Education,Science and sports and the Malawi Institute of Education etcetera to map the way forward on how teachers' readiness for ICT integration into the school can be maneuvered... |
