Building Digital Literacy Competencies: Perspectives of Pupils’ Play Methods of Learning in Primary Schools in Kenya

Authors

  • Sarah Jemutai Moi University Author
  • Violet Kafwa Moi University Author

Keywords:

Digital literacy, Play methods, Child Centered Approach, Curriculum innovation, Digital play, Computer language

Abstract

Digital literacy is the ability to acquire knowledge, skills and behaviors which are necessary to effectively and safely use a wide range of digital content and devices for learning. Play with digital devises can help learners develop digital skills. However, there is no many mechanisms and methods to teach and develop digital literacy skills in primary school pupils. The purpose of this paper is to examine primary school pupils’ digital literacy competencies demonstrated through play way method of learning. The study is underpinned by Constructivism Learning Theory. The study utilized qualitative research method, case study research design and adopted interpretivism research paradigm. The target population comprised of 30 primary schools. 13,500 pupils and 450 teachers. Data was collected from twelve public primary schools in Chesumei Sub County in Nandi County. 12 head teachers, 12 grade one teachers, 480 learners and one education officer were selected using purposive sampling method. Purposive in that existing grade classes were used, the teachers teaching the grade and schools that received the government donated laptops and tablets. The research instruments that were used were:  teacher reflective journals, interviews and observation schedule. The data was analyzed thematically. The study findings revealed that: Competencies that were developed as result of play included: Manipulating the tablet menu, access to digital content and reading on screens, booting up, use of icons and search engine. The paper concludes that, play way method of learning became an enabler towards the development of competencies and digital literacy skills because of its child centered approach and the teacher became a facilitator of the learning process. The following recommendations were made. The digital devises provided by the government needs to be increased to meet the growing number of learners in primary schools. The Ministry of Education needs to increase digital content in the digital devises in order to compel teachers to enhance the use of computers for pupil’s digital literacy. The findings of this study are useful in curriculum innovation in Kenya and other parts of the world.

Author Biographies

  • Sarah Jemutai , Moi University

    Sarah Jemutai is a teacher, an administrator with over ten years experience. Sarah is a graduate from Nelson Mandela University, South Africa with a Masters degree in Education research. Sarah is currently a doctoral student at Moi University School of Education, Kenya. Sarah earned councils academic award in 2017 for attaining the best Masters degree in research in the school of Social Sciences and Humanities at Nelson Mandela University. She specializes in curriculum instruction and educational media. Her major area in research is Early Years Education. Sarah is a paper reviewer of South African Journal of Early Childhood Education (SAJCE). She is a powerful force in the work place and uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others work and succeed. Through her leadership skills, she was elected as a Board of Management Member in her school and president of CERM-ESA alumni, Moi University.

     

  • Violet Kafwa, Moi University

    Violet Kafwa Nabwire is an Associate Professor of pedagogy at Moi University, Kenya. She is currently the Deputy Director of Quality Assurance, Compliance and Performance Contracting at the university. She has previously served as a coordinator for the Centre for Teacher Education and Associate Dean at the School of Education. She has published many papers in refereed Journals and several books in the field of pedagogy and educational technology. She has supervised many post-graduate theses, attended conferences, digitalized online curriculum and she is an editor of several peer reviewed and refereed journals. Her research interests are on curriculum design, development, digitalization and implementation, HIV/AIDS & gender issues in education

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Published

01-08-2023

How to Cite

Building Digital Literacy Competencies: Perspectives of Pupils’ Play Methods of Learning in Primary Schools in Kenya. (2023). The Educator: A Journal of the School of Education, Moi University, 3(1), 20-32. https://journals.mu.ac.ke/index.php/edj/article/view/106

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