Authors: Brian Kabwe
Abstract: This dissertation investigated the challenges and prospects of the introduction of Computer Studies in Schools: the case of selected public secondary schools: Lukashya, SoftKatongo, Kasama Central, Misamfu and Ituna in Kasma District. The objectives of the research contained within; ascertaining the challenges that schools are facing in the teaching and learning progression of Computer Studies in Kasama District; instituting the academic enactment of learners taking Computer Studies in their final examinations in Kasama District; as well as ruling out what procedures were invented to be put in place so as to promote quality teaching and learning of Computer Studies in schools in Kasama District. The researcher employed both qualitative and quantitative research techniques in this study. This research was principally predisposed by the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theories. The imperative findings of the research were that schools were facing related challenges in terms of teaching and learning of Computer Studies. These challenges basically included scarcity of computers, lack of teaching and learning materials, in addition to shortage of furniture, lack of space in computer laboratories, poor or no internet service, besides poor teacher preparedness to teach. In terms of the elements that were impairing these challenges, the findings of the study discovered that: lack of funds to procure computers, furniture, teaching and learning materials; lack of trained teachers; and inadequate space in computer laboratories. On the question of academic performance, it was revealed that schools performed better in the 2020 ECZ examinations than in 2021. Thus, there was a gradual decrease in the performance of the learners. On measures to enhance the academic performance of the learners, the study revealed that there is need to lobby for more funds to procure teaching and learning materials; and building spacious computer rooms. Furthermore, there was need to recruit trained teachers or build the capacity of existing teachers and also motivating the pupils to take the subject extremely. The study will employ both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population will be 300 respondents. The sample size will be 50 including 25 pupils, 5 school administrators, 5 Guidance and counseling teachers, 5 officials from civil societies and 10 parents. The study consists of five chapters. Chapter one provides the introduction of the research problem, background of the problem, objective of the study, research questions and the significance of the study. Chapter two provides literature review. Chapter three gives research methodology and chapter four offers the research finding. Chapter five provide the conclusion and recommendations.
