Intra-School Professional Development Training Model In Ict Integration In Teaching: Reflections Of A Teacher

Background: Many teachers still need the appropriate knowledge, skills and training to ensure effective ICT integration in their subjects. The group training that is sometimes provided by district office personnel, National Department of Education or Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) for efficient use of training leaves many behind as they attend. They are primarily at different competency levels regarding ICT skills, access, and local(internal) or limited external support. Aim: In this regard, the research aimed to investigate the effective use of the Intra-School Professional Development (ISPD) approach to facilitate ICT training to teach Natural Sciences subject in a South African public school. Materials and Methods: The study employed a participatory action research approach focusing on qualitative descriptive case study research. A sample of a grade 6 Natural Science teacher who teaches in an Ex-model C school in the Johannesburg South was selected for the study. The class size ranges between 30-35 learners in a class. The study utilised a semi-structured interview, observation notes, and reflection journal of training as instruments. The semi-structured interview contained open-ended questions and was designed to investigate the factors causing the low utilisation of ICT in the teaching of Natural Science. Results: The findings from the research showed that implementing the ISPD model can maximise the integration of ICT in teaching Natural Science with immediate support from the participant level without waiting or delaying others. The single participant could determine the pace of her growth to independent exploration of the ICT tools in the teaching and learning classroom preparation and practice. Recommendations: The study recommends that in addition to the ICT hardware already provided, the South African Department of Education should also provide subject-specific and grade-appropriate ICT training that provides consistent and immediate support for teachers to integrate effectively.