Use of ICT in Teaching Mathematics

Abstract

This study “Use of ICT in teaching mathematics” is aimed to investigate status of using ICT in teaching mathematics; to find the influencing factors of using ICT in teaching mathematics. The study adopted Rogers’ diffusion theory, whereby the user or adopter is critical in the whole process. A mixed method research design and three instruments: an observation checklist, questionnaire and semi- structured interview were used to determine the result. According to DEO Rupandehi, in this financial year 2074/75 they provided a grant for 34 public secondary schools to facilitate ICT in teaching and learning. The researcher was selected these all 34 schools for her research and data was collected by purposively from 34 mathematics teachers and Head Teachers from these schools. The finding indicated that the use of ICT in Rupandehi district were not so good, it was still in early phase. Mathematics teachers were not prepared to use ICT in teaching. Researcher found some factors that influencing use of ICT in teaching and divide into three different areas; 1) Teacher related factors; teachers’ personal characteristics, teachers’ knowledge and skill on ICT, teachers’ training, overburden teaching. 2) School related factors; access, funding and supervision, support, schools’ plan on ICT. 3) System related factors; structure of curriculum and traditional evaluation system. This study suggested that curriculum should be changed and new curriculum should be based on technology; NCED and other connected bodies should give information, training, orientation and discussion programs on ICT for Head Teacher, mathematics teachers and other stakeholders; mathematics teachers should be self motivate to usages ICT in their teaching also school management should provide enough opportunities and encourage them for using available ICT tools in their teaching.