Abstract
M.Ed.
The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which the Futurekids
Technology Curriculum for the acquisition of computer skills at St. Conrad's
College in Klerksdorp adheres to the principles of OBE. The participants in this
study were the Grade 6 learners together with their teacher.
The OBE is a paradigm that focuses on transforming educational practice,
making education relevant, effective, and bringing educational changes that are
in line with the goals of the Reconstruction and Development Programme in
South Africa. The theoretical assumptions of OBE as a model for meaningful
implementation are indicated. The OBE concept and approaches are clarified.
The principles that form the holistic framework for the implementation of OBE are
established and used as criteria to evaluate Futurekids Technology Curriculum.
Many schools are utilising the computer skills training programmes of companies
like Futurekids. If the computer skills training programmes of outside companies
is being used in schools, it is important to assess the extent to which these
computer skills training programmes adhere to the principles of OBE.
Futurekids has adapted and is implementing OBE in the acquisition of computer
skills. The Futurekids Technology Curriculum is a learning programme that
teaches learners to achieve desired computer skills and is placed within a
framework of commonly accepted definitions and models for computer literacy.
The research design of this study was based on a qualitative approach and was
as such exploratory, descriptive and contextualising. The research method used
was a case study and the data collected techniques were literature review,
observation (field notes), a focus group interview, individual interviews (semistructured
interviews), a questionnaire and the criteria for OBE programme. The
data collected were transcribed and reduced and as such, the process yielded
eight categories that led to the principles that underpin the implementation of
OBE.
The trustworthiness of this research study was done through two strategies,
validity and reliability. Both the strategies were used by the researcher to ensure
the trustworthiness of the research findings, together with the external
independent moderator.
The findings indicate that to a large extent the Futurekids Technology Curriculum
is consistent with the principles of OBE and adheres to the identified norms for
computer literacy.
In the final chapter, the overview of the study, conclusion, recommendations for
further research and limitations of the research results.