Opportunities and challenges of digitalisation in high school learning in the Free State

Abstract

Recent years have seen a rise in the prominence of digitalisation in education. To take advantage of the benefits that these technologies provide, adaptation is necessary. This is particularly true when you consider the global advancements in teaching methods and technology brought about by the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). However, schools in rural areas are frequently at a disadvantage because they lack the necessary infrastructure, such as electricity and internet connectivity, which hinders their adoption of digitalisation in education. This study identifies the challenges that users of digital platforms in high schools experience when they are implemented and used. It also seeks to identify the resources available to high school students that will enable them to use digital platforms efficiently. The data is gathered quantitatively and the relevant literature is reviewed. To collect data, structured questionnaires were given to the respondents. Subsequently, these were examined using SPSS version 27.0, a statistical program for social science research. The findings are discussed using descriptive statistics to infer the data and the information represented using tables. Various stakeholders, including the government, private sector and donors, should work together to ensure the effective adoption of 4IR technologies that will facilitate their adoption in the rural schools. With its extensive resources, South Africa could lead the way in high school digitalisation. 4IR and the Covid-19 pandemic have transformed the learning environment and it should not be limited to the conventional classroom with chalk and board.