Teachers’ perceptions on the use of information and Communication technology in the teaching of deaf learners: a case of two primary schools in Kampala capital city, Uganda

Abstract

The study was done in two Special Schools for deaf children located in Kampala Capital City to investigate the Teachers’ Perceptions on the use of ICT in Teaching Deaf learners. It was guided by three objectives; to find out teachers’ views on the use of ICT in teaching; the roles of ICT in the teaching of Deaf Learners and the challenges teachers encounter in the use of ICT in the teaching of Deaf learners. The purpose was intended to explore teachers’ perceptions on the use of ICT in teaching Deaf learners. A sample of fifteen teachers was used from a population of eighteen teachers. Data was collected using interview guides and observation and analyzed using thematic analysis and triangulation. Findings from the study revealed that: teachers viewed ICT as a good tool for teaching in projection of work for learners and for communication as well, some viewed ICT as something difficult to use in teaching, and it takes much time. ICT helps both teachers and learners to get up to date information and development of vocabulary and innovative skills. The major challenges revealed were; inadequate devices fear to use ICT, lack of interest to learn ICT skills. Improper maintenance, lack of budget for ICT maintenance, poor service delivery and poor Internet connectivity in the two schools was also a challenge. Delay to change from old practices for some teachers and the large use of internet connectivity for non-academic purpose. The study concluded that: some teachers were not interested to learn and use ICT in teaching thinking it was time consuming, limited ICT skills by teachers, inadequate ICT facilities and infrastructure in the two schools of study. Recommendations that came out from the study were: schools with computers should avail them to teachers and learners Ministry of Education and Sports science communication technology should provide the schools with ICT devices and train the teachers in ICT skills.