H.E. online : a website for secondary level home economics

Abstract

The main focus of this study is the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the teaching process. This dissertation aims to plan, develop and realise a Home Economics website dedicated to all Home Economics students and teachers. A needs analysis assessment was carried out with ten state and two non-state secondary schools in order to find out the current situation regarding the usage of ICT in the study of Home Economics by both teachers and students. This study revealed that computer and Internet integration in the teaching and learning process offers many educational benefits mainly aiding learning, increasing understanding, increasing motivation and interactivity. Nonetheless, even though ICT offers all these benefits, its usage in the educational setting is still very limited. For this reason, a local Home Economics website (H.E. Online) was developed in order to aid ICT to be integrated in the teaching of Home Economics. Even though H.E. Online was gladly accepted by teachers and students involved in the field of Home Economics, its benefits could not be totally attained due to the lack of resources available in schools. Consequently, this research further indicates that, in order to make the most of ICT, critical changes for the implementation of innovative pedagogies in teaching are necessary. ICT offers powerful teaching and learning tools that can reform the educational process in the classrooms whilst providing a scaffolding environment which sustains interactivity, engagement and motivation. This study further recommends actions which need to be taken for the successful implementation of ICT in education.