Abstract
M.Ed.
The focus of this practitioner's research inquiry is primary educators’ perceptions and conceptions, and thus their self-evaluation on the impact of the introduction of computers on their educational practice. Its main aim was to explore and capture the way primary school educators in Gauteng, South Africa, who participated in the study perceived the impact of the introduction of computers on their educational practice. The case study was conducted within the parameters of the relevant literature review to determine the impact of the introduction of computers on educational practice of educators worldwide. It looked at the way in which educators utilise both current and emerging computer technologies and how they express their perceptions and conceptions of the impact of the introduction of computers on their educational practice. A further aim was to identify trends in educational technologies in developing countries; to identify the benefits and limitations of computer technology in education around the world and to position this study within the South African context. This research also looked into educators as facilitators and creators of the learner and educator support material (LESM), producing a product of high quality. Educators through their personal research into technology could express, create and discover which in turn informed and impacted on their didactics and pedagogies which indirectly has a positive effect on the learners. Based on this research, the paper concludes that computer technology enables educators to find new ways of unlocking reality for learners to attribute meaning to it in a more comprehensive manner.
Dr. G.V. Lautenbach