The potential use of Tablet Computers to support Teaching and Learning activities in South African Schools

In South Africa, currently, “education is in crisis” and there is much speculation that Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) could be used to improve education in developing countries, such as South Africa. One ICT often cited for its benefits to education is that of the Tablet computer (PC). In this paper we explore the affordances of tablet PCs, as well as the factors which positively contribute to the uptake of tablet PCs within educational settings. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of educator knowledge through the lens of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) in successfully integrating the use of technology into teaching and learning; research tells us that there can only be meaningful and skilled teaching with technology if pedagogical knowledge, content knowledge and technological knowledge are well defined. As Toyama said, “there are no technology shortcuts to good education”.