The role of ICT integration on primary school learners’ cognition: A rural education perspective
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A B S T R A C T
Using the cognitive theory as a framework, this paper examines the ways in which the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching and learning contributes to and supports content understanding among rural primary school learners. ICT plays a transformative role by altering traditional teaching methods and reshaping how learners engage with content. In rural educational settings, however, schools often face numerous contextual challenges, including inadequate physical infrastructure, limited computer access, insufficient educational programs, and unreliable internet connectivity. Despite these limitations, when integrated thoughtfully into an ICT-enabled curriculum, technology holds significant potential to transform instructional practices, accelerate learning processes, enhance skills acquisition, and deepen learners’ comprehension of academic content. The study was conducted through an interpretivist lens, employing a qualitative research methodology and a case study design. Data were gathered from six teachers teaching different subjects across three selected rural primary schools. The collected data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify emerging patterns and insights. The findings demonstrate that the integration of ICT into the teaching and learning process plays a crucial role in enhancing learners’ cognitive development, ultimately leading to improved academic performance. Based on these findings, the study advocates for the provision and effective implementation of ICT-enabled education in rural primary schools to promote the cognitive growth and academic success of learners, even in the face of contextual challenges that characterize many rural educational environments.