Abstract
D.Ed.
The use IT is increasingly becoming a reality in education in South Africa (SA). Despite this
very few historical black universities (HBU's) utilize it in the training of their student teachers.
For this reason the use of IT by student teachers in the historical black universities in the
Northern Province has been disappointing. This study raises questions for investigation
regarding the use of information technology in initial teacher education (ITE) in the Northern
Province (South Africa), which ultimately enabled the researcher to generate an approach for
the implementation of IT in initial teacher education in Universities in the Northern Province.
In order to reach possible solutions for the stated problem and to suggest an approach for the
implementation of IT in ITE, a literature study on information technology in initial teacher
education was undertaken. An empirical study was also conducted which included:
• Interviews with deans of the schools of education (faculties of education) in the two
Universities in the Northern Province.
• HOD's of the department of Educational Practice (The department of Curriculum
Studies and Teachers Education).
• Lecturers in the faculties of Education (School of Education)
• HED & UED student teachers at these two universities.
• Computer Centre Personnel at these two institutions.
• Colleges of Makhado and Mokopane were also visited with a view to observe what was
happening in terms of IT training and, to interview rectors and lecturers responsible for
IT training.