TEACHER EDUCATORS’ PERCEPTIONS OF THE USE OF MOBILE PHONES IN THE TEACHING OF SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Abstract

Ministry of Education Science and Technology (MoEST) encourages the use of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for teaching and learning in colleges and universities. Mobile phones, also known as cell phones are one type of ICT gadgets which are useful in teaching and learning process. They provide almost similar functionality with computers or laptops in terms of internet connectivity. The study aimed at exploring perceptions of teacher educators of the use of mobile phones in the teaching of Social and Environmental Sciences (SES) in Teacher Training College (TTC). Both public and private TTCs were sampled for the study. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods of data generation. Thirty-eight lecturers who teach Social and Environmental Sciences in TTCs completed questionnaires while six heads of department and two principals were interviewed. The results of the study show that lecturers in TTC own mobile phones with required facilities for teaching and learning such as internet, whatsapp and facebook; however, most lecturers reported to have skills of using these facilities mainly for social interaction rather than academic purposes. The study also found out that students in TTC are not allowed to use cell phones in the classroom; probably this is yet another reason why some lecturers perceive the use of cell phones in lessons as a challenge. The study recommends TTCs to provide smart phones which can be used alongside the computers as part of teaching and learning resources. However, there is a need for TTCs to review their policies governing the use of mobile phones in the classroom.