Influence of Information and Communication Technological (Ict) Tools in the Teaching and Learning of Flowcharts in Mathematics in Secondary Schools
Authors-Silungwe Webster, Dr Phiri John
Keyword-Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Mathematics Education, Flowchart Concepts, ICT-Enhanced Learning, Secondary School Education, Student Understanding, Flowchart Interpretation.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is beginning to be seen as one of the major instructional element especially in mathematics. This study investigated, the effect of ICT tools on students’ understanding of flowchart concepts in Mathematics, the impact of ICT-supported instruction on students’ ability to create and interpret flowcharts in Mathematics and determine teachers’ perceptions of using ICT tools for teaching flowchart concepts in Mathematics. This study was conducted in Petauke district in Eastern province, Zambia. The targeted population comprised of 10 Randomly selected Secondary schools in the district, 50 mathematics teachers and 150 pupils formed the study sample. The study employed questionnaires as analysis guide in data collection. The questionnaire was analysed using chi-square (X2) statistical technique from spss version 25. The frequency count of each item in the questionnaire was tallied and raw score computed into simple percentages. Also, chi-square (X2) statistical technique was employed to analyse the research hypothesis. The results of this investigation established that ICT tools play a significant and positive role in the teaching and learning of flowchart concepts in secondary school Mathematics. Students exposed to ICT-enhanced instruction demonstrated better understanding, improved ability to create and interpret flowcharts, and higher engagement levels than those taught through conventional methods. Teachers also expressed positive attitudes toward ICT integration, although infrastructural challenges remain. Overall, the findings indicate that effective and well-supported use of ICT tools can substantially improve both teaching practices and student learning outcomes in flowchart-related Mathematics concepts. Integrating ICT in Mathematics education is therefore not only beneficial but essential for modern, skill-oriented learning. This study then recommends that more time should be allocated to the teaching of mathematics on the time-table in our secondary schools so that there will be enough time for the use of ICT tools. Also, mathematics teachers should not be too overwhelmed with too many assignments so that they will have time to plan ICT enhanced classes. Since ICT Tools depends on power supply, the entire power supply needs to be improved upon throughout the country. Also, school authority should improvise for alternative source of power supply such as generator set in case of power failure.
Doi-[http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20514864]