Integration of information and communication technology (ICT) into the instruction of mathematics and science : a case study of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Gombak Setia, Malaysia

Abstract

This research serves as a follow up study to several studies that have been conducted on the ICT integration into the Malaysian Education System. Even though its’ scope is limited to the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the teaching of mathematics and science in one secondary school in Malaysia. This case study research used a mixed method of analysis (quantitative and qualitative) through students’ questionnaire which was self-constructed, teachers’ interview and class observation to find out how useful are the ICT instructional aids provided in the school in achieving students’ learning with regards to its use, ease of use, adequacy and problems. One hundred students consist of the sample of the survey. Five science and five mathematics teachers were interviewed. Real class observation was conducted in two science classes and one mathematics class. The result of the survey findings reveals that the ICT facilities are useful in achieving students’ learning despite its inadequacy and other problems associated with it. It also reveals that students believe they learn better from books than from ICT. The interview analysis revealed that teachers believed that ICT can only be useful only when complemented with other instructional materials. The inferential analysis of the observation also revealed that students' learning can be achieved when teaching strategies are blended together. (ICT and other instructional materials)

This research serves as a follow up study to several studies that have been conducted on the ICT integration into the Malaysian Education System. Even though its’ scope is limited to the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the teaching of mathematics and science in one secondary school in Malaysia. This case study research used a mixed method of analysis (quantitative and qualitative) through students’ questionnaire which was self-constructed, teachers’ interview and class observation to find out how useful are the ICT instructional aids provided in the school in achieving students’ learning with regards to its use, ease of use, adequacy and problems. One hundred students consist of the sample of the survey. Five science and five mathematics teachers were interviewed. Real class observation was conducted in two science classes and one mathematics class. The result of the survey findings reveals that the ICT facilities are useful in achieving students’ learning despite its inadequacy and other problems associated with it. It also reveals that students believe they learn better from books than from ICT. The interview analysis revealed that teachers believed that ICT can only be useful only when complemented with other instructional materials. The inferential analysis of the observation also revealed that students' learning can be achieved when teaching strategies are blended together. (ICT and other instructional materials)