A critical analysis on the applicability of ICTS in IsiNdebele.

Abstract

This study focuses on the applicability of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in IsiNdebele. This research looks at how applicably ICTs are to IsiNdebele through designing and implementation of an IsiNdebele Electronic Encyclopaedia (IEE). It has a bias towards Ndebele language learning in schools. It sought to establish whether usages of ICTs can improve understanding amongst Ndebele learners. The research uses modernism as its theoretical framework; it looks at the change from traditional learning systems of using printed books to using the modern ICTs in IsiNdebele learning. Interviews, questionnaires, practical experiments and evaluations were used in schools in Bulawayo metropolitan and Matobo district and Lupane state University to conduct this research. The research established that ICTs were applicable in IsiNdebele because IEE was designed and implemented. Response from the students and teachers was overwhelming and research established that use of ICTs might improve IsiNdebele pass rate in schools due to the accessibility of ICTs. The research therefore recommends that the Government should come up with an IT policy which will promote teaching of computers in schools and subsidize prices for ICT products for school or student purchases. Local Universities should also offer computational linguistics to improve in the development of ICT packages in IsiNdebele.