Assessing the adoption, implementation and effective utilization of education technology and innovation in education sector in Malawi - (A case study of Mpherembe CDSS)

The integration of education technology and innovation into the education sector is increasingly becoming a global imperative, with the potential to transform teaching and learning practices. In Malawi, like many other developing nations, the adoption, implementation, and effective utilization of education technology remain critical challenges. This case study focuses on Mpherembe (CDSS) in Malawi to provide a detailed assessment of the status of education technology adoption and its impact on teaching and learning. The need for educational technology has risen in many schools in Malawi, especially during the pandemic's arrival of COVID-19, cholera outbreaks, and Cyclone Freddy, bringing attention among teachers, students, and policymakers. The study was centered at Mpherembe CDSS, where a sample of 20 students and teachers was selected using a probability sampling technique. The data was collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS. The analyzed data was presented in the form of bar graphs. The study uncovered that there was a moderate extent of adoption, implementation, and effective utilization of educational technology in Malawi. Furthermore, the study revealed that there are several significant benefits of educational technology in Malawi. The main ones include reducing transportation and accommodation costs and accommodating both work and learning simultaneously. Despite the benefits, educational technology faces several challenges that hinder its adoption, implementation, and utilization in Malawi. These challenges include poor network infrastructure, high costs, and limited access to educational technology.