Abstract
This report is an inquiry to investigate the effect of using interactive video for acquiring investigation skills in science at secondary schools in Botswana and to find out if virtual learning platforms contribute positively to learner’s performance particularly in the science subject. The study teases out what exactly teachers know about Information and Communications Technology (ICT), their knowledge of using ICT platforms in teaching such as interactive videos and whiteboard and data projectors in the classroom. It has to be noted that, for the purpose of this study, the usage of word ICT throughout this research study, has been used to reference the educational technological tools including but not limited to collaborative learning platforms, electrotonic textbooks, chats, instructional learning software, robotics, amongst others. This is informed by the understanding that ICT is a broader subject.
Interactive video learning content was developed and incorporated in the teaching curriculum for use in one classroom, while the other class of students used the traditional blackboard method of learning for the same subject of science. Their results were compared, and reveals that student who used interactive videos, performed much better than those who were using the traditional blackboard (chalk-and-talk) method.
A questionnaire designed in Google Forms was used to gather data for this study. The population consisted of Form 3 students drawn from Kgale Hill Junior Secondary School in Gaborone, Botswana. The data from the research was coded and analysed in the statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and interpreted with discussion in the descriptive study. The findings shows that ICT needs to form part of the curriculum and lesson planning process so that it overarches into teachers’ content knowledge. Furthermore, teachers benefitted significantly from using interactive
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videos in teaching, while learners showed much appreciation and motivation in learning by using the tool. The results depicted improved academic performance of students. Further training for teachers on the use of ICT tools is highly recommended to enhance their skills and knowledge.