Effectiveness of an Integrated Learner-Centric Approach for Teaching Complex ICT Concepts at a Higher Educational Institution In Botswana

Abstract

Teaching methodology has a greater impact on the way students learn from teachers and tutors. However traditional class rooms are meant for rote learning, hence, there exists some challenges in promoting “in-depth learning” among the learners when it comes to teaching complex ICT concepts. This paper has been developed based on the experience of introducing an integrated approach towards promoting in-depth learning and understanding by the students. This integrated approach comprises of four stages namely concept based animated slides, interactive role play, multi stage programming activities and formative feedback focused evaluation. Though actually developed for teaching complex ICT concepts, it can also be extended to teaching of other simple concepts depending on the availability of time. Theoretical understanding of concepts is facilitated by using the concept based animated slides where the process is explained in a stage by stage sequence. The interactive role play with additional assistance from tutors builds up on their understanding levels. Subsequent to the theoretical introduction, learners are introduced to the practical aspects by the way of multi stage programming activities which may provide an in-depth practical knowledge. Finally, formative feedback focused evaluation helps the learners to correct their flaws and guide them towards an improved understanding of the concepts learned. The practicing of the approach has resulted in sustainable improvements. The authors have practiced this approach in their classrooms for some of the complex ICT concepts at Botho College. They have observed and experienced that the outcomes are in high level of quality. However there are some challenges in practicing this approach amongst the learners and the tutors like preparation of quality and effective animation slides, availability of the resources and deviation for the learners from the concept to the animation on the slides etc. The results obtained and challenges faced in using the approach are discussed in the paper.