The impact of information and communication technology (ICT)in teaching accounting in secondary schools: a case of iLembe district

Abstract
This study examined the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), in teaching accounting subject in secondary schools, using iLembe District in South Africa as a study area. The study highlighted that the application of ICT in accounting teaching and practices in schools and organisations all over the world has received widely acceptance, not only to business entities but also to accounting educators. Literature shows that accounting subject remain one of the critical subjects in business education, that is designed to equip learners with certain skills, knowledge, aptitude and values towards solving financial problems and towards satisfaction of real- life needs. The study interrogated the central question of what factors influence teachers the adoption and integration of ICT, in teaching accounting in secondary schools in iLembe District. Findings from the literature displays that ITC has long been heralded as a crucial element of both professional accountancy and accounting education. This study, therefore, argued that the effective application of ICT in every sector, can only be assured through adequate coverage of needed areas, as it identified gaps that can be filled through the stakeholders/actors such as the teacher and managers of education. It was indicated that the effective adoption of ICT education in teaching accounting subject at the iLembe District can be realised by schools that accommodate the effective use of ICT. The iLembe secondary school facilities accommodates the use of ICT facilities with easy to use for accounting by teachers, who use it in their teaching to stimulate the interest of their learners. The study is qualitative in nature and data was collected through a semi-structured interview. Data were collected from ten accounting teachers through semi-structured interview, semi-structured face to face interview, observations and document analysis. Responses to the interview guide were recorded and analysed through thematic analysis to determine the similarities and differences in terms of their responses. This method assisted in collecting information which was fundamentally involved in engaging individuals in an informal discussion. The use of interview guide was focused on the phenomenon. Findings shows that there is critical need for professional development of teachers, on the use of ICT appropriately in schools with the provision of computers and laptops for every learner in rural schools, as their parents cannot afford them. Conclusively, the study summarized and offer appropriate recommendations for the adoption and integration of ICT into the teaching of accounting in South Africa.
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Curriculum and Instructional Studies in the Faculty of Education, University of Zululand, 2023.
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