Challenges Preventing Successful Use of ICT for Teaching and Learning Biology in Rwandan Secondary Schools

Faustin Nduwayezu – African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Teaching and Learning Mathematics and Science, University of Rwanda-College of Education.
Calestin Ngendabanga – African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Teaching and Learning Mathematics and Science, University of Rwanda-College of Education.
Balthazar Murekaze – African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Teaching and Learning Mathematics and Science, University of Rwanda-College of Education.
Yves Byishimo – African Centre of Excellence in Data Science, University of Rwanda- College of Business and Economics
Prof. Wenceslas Nzabalirwa – University of Rwanda-College of Education.
Dr. Irenee Ndayambaje – University of Rwanda-College of Education.
Corresponding author: nfaustinhoo@gmail.com,

Abstract: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been found to be important in the teaching and learning process for 21st century. However, the effective use of this contemporary paradigm was found to be subjected to many factors. This paper aimed to assess the level at which ICT is being used and the challenges met by Biology teachers in teaching and learning process. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from a sample of 64 Biology teachers randomly selected from secondary schools of Rulindo District. During data collection, a Likert’ scale questionnaire and interview protocol were used. A descriptive statistic was used to analyse the obtained quantitative data while independent sample t-test was used to compare the level of using ICT between males and females. Additionally, qualitative data were used to feel the gap not filled by quantitative findings. The findings showed that ICT was basically used in general purposes like preparation of teaching notes and making scheme of works rather than being used in specific biological experiments. The main challenges preventing the adequate use ICT for teaching Biology were the lack of adequate ICT resources, lack of adequate trainings and limited technical support. On the other side, the results from independent sample t-test showed a difference in the level of using ICT between males and females (t=2.508, p=.015). It has been found that male teachers (M= 2.32, SD=0.63) used ICT at high level compared to their female counterparts (M=2.16, SD=0.54). Therefore, all educational agents have to increase their investment in providing adequate ICT resources, and effective training on the best ways of integrating ICT in teaching different subjects. A strong motivation and encouragement is also needed to all teachers for preventing gender disparity in using ICT for teaching Biology and science subjects in general.