The use of computers and extent of computer integration in the learning of preschool children in Botswana

Abstract

The study was intended to investigate the use and extent of computer integration in the learning of preschool children. Literature showed that computers are widely used in the developed countries by preschool children. It also showed that it is important to integrate computers across the school curriculum during early years of learning and to use developmental appropriate computer software, as this proved to improve the performance of preschool children. Studies had proved that children in Botswana preschools use computers. The importance of carrying out the study is to find out the strategies used by teachers to integrate computers and the relevance of the programs used to the children of Botswana. The use of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies helped in answering questions to this survey. A questionnaire was administered comprising of both open and closed ended questions. Semi-structure interviews and observations were also used for data collection. The study involved twenty participants from 10 preschools in Gaborone, Botswana. Hie results indicated that despite the fact that there are computers in the preschools, not all children had access to them. Preschools were found to be using programs which were not developmentally appropriate to the culture of Botswana. Internet connection was non-existent for both teachers and preschoolers. The study also showed that computer integration was limited.