Artha Journal of Social Sciences

Editorial Note

2025-05-29T11:10:47+00:00

Factors influencing the integration of ICT in teaching and learning

2024-11-18T05:21:57+00:00

The extant literature highlights that a combination of attitudes towards technology, technological competencies, and access to technology tools are factors that significantly impact the integration of technology within the classroom teaching and learning environment by educators and school management. This study investigated the influence of these factors in predicting successful technology integration in teaching and learning within the private school context in South Africa and included respondents from primary and secondary schools. The research adopted a quantitative cross-sectional survey strategy and collected data from educators and school management using a questionnaire. The study found positive educator attitudes towards the use of ICT tools in classroom teaching and learning. In addition, educators have a high level of skill in using ICT tools for teaching. It also found high exposure levels to technology tools for classroom use. Although it was found that the management staff are largely undecided on technology integration, favourable perceptions were expressed towards factors related to the application process, familiarity and confidence, adaptation, and creativity in the use of technology in education. Educators' ICT skills were found to significantly influence technology integration in teaching and learning. However, there was no statistical evidence to suggest that access to technology and educator attitudes can significantly influence technology integration in teaching and learning. The study offers several recommendations for enhancing technology integration in the classroom.

Social issues that negatively impact Information and Communication Technology integration in South African township schools

2025-01-20T10:09:16+00:00

This qualitative study critically reviews social issues negatively impacting ICT integration in township schools. Reports have shown that township schools are mostly affected by various contextual factors, such as high crime rates and theft, to adopt technology in schools effectively. These factors appear to have become hindrances for teachers in successfully infusing ICT in township classrooms. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) conceptual framework was adopted to extend the above arguments. Further, the constructivist paradigm and case study research design were employed to guide this study. Ten secondary schools in the Umlazi district were purposively sampled for observations, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with five principals and five School Governing Body members. Inductive data analysis was used to analyse the data collected. Findings showed that theft and burglary, vandalism, security issues, and poverty are severe social issues that affect ICT integration in township schools. I then argue that the government and the education stakeholders must improve security by installing high-quality security, such as cameras, building strong rooms or secure places for technology resources. In addition, community forums should be requested to prioritise schools’ safety. The community must be educated on the imperatives of ICTS in schools.

Exploration of Philosophical and Legal Reasons for Inclusion of Academic Freedom in the Bill of Rights

2025-03-03T04:11:05+00:00

The Bill of Rights forms part of the South African constitution and is the cornerstone of reference as it enshrines all human rights recognised in the Republic of South Africa. While the Bill of Rights enshrines all human rights and affirms democratic values like human dignity, equality, and freedom, it still has not found a space to include academic freedom, which is this paper’s focus. The debate today about whether to include academic freedom in the Bill of Rights is long overdue, and academic freedom should have come into the Constitution together with institutional autonomy. The non-inclusion of academic freedom in the Bill of Rights makes it seem strange to those who want to undermine it and invasively overpour their authoritative tyranny over academics. Since it has been a long moment of silence on academics from different institutions of higher learning, this conceptual desktop study adopts an analytic theoretical framework to argue that academic freedom must be included in the Bill of Rights. Since academic freedom will empower/protect the freedom of expression in teaching and assessment in universities, it is high time that scholars call for the recognition of a “right to academic freedom.”

Corruption during and after COVID-19: Analysis of the factors impeding anti-corruption initiatives in South Africa

2024-10-20T13:01:47+00:00

The study aims to investigate the extent of corruption in South Africa. The article explores the corruption and financial misconduct recorded during COVID-19. The study is qualitative, and information is compiled using desktop analysis. Various journal articles, books, and official documents are considered to gather publicly available data. This methodology forms part of the literature review. The information gathered was assessed through conceptual and document analysis. The findings indicate that although anti-corruption Acts and strategies are available, implementation gaps exist to combat corruption successfully. The article highlights the significant role the government can play in reducing corruption as a suggestion for policymakers to consider. Corruption arises for a variety of reasons. Personal greed, the desire for an opulent lifestyle, the ego satisfaction that comes with having power and authority, insufficient institutional measures, and inadequate monitoring and evaluation measures are just a few examples. Whatever the cause, corruption cannot be tolerated. It goes against the organisation's moral standards, code of conduct, integrity, and honesty.

Ashtamudi Lake: Balancing Ecosystem Conservation and Socio-Cultural Heritage

2025-03-14T06:18:54+00:00

Ashtamudy Lake is one of the most famous backwaters in Kerala. It is situated in the district of Kollam, formerly Quilon, and is one of Kerala's most extensive backwaters. The name ‘Ashtamudi’ means ‘eight branches’, and it has got its name because of the eight arms-like branches of the lake. Ashtamudi Lake is one of the famous Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance, an ecological and socio-cultural asset of the area. This research examines the environmental risks that endanger the lake's existence, such as water pollution, loss of biodiversity, unsound human interference, and their effects on the sensitive ecosystem of the lake. The study also highlights the socio-cultural and economic importance of Ashtamudy Lake as a hub for fisher folk’s traditional employment, such as fishing, fish curing, and coir making, which are the relevant occupations of the area's inhabitants. The study highlighted the importance of adopting sustainable practices, implementing policies for the development of the Ashtamudi Lake ecosystem and culture, and encouraging people’s participation in the conservation of the area. This study highlighted the importance of a sustainable approach in the balance between the protection of the environment and the socio-cultural values of the lake, which will benefit the state's sustainable development in the long run.