Integrating educational technology into Lesotho Secondary Religious Studies: A conceptual exploration of practical challenges and opportunities

Lehlohonolo Kurata *, Mampota Selialia, Rethabile Rosemary Molefi and Senoni Francinah Rateronko

Department of Languages and Social sciences, Faculty of Education, The National University of Lesotho.
 
Review
International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 2024, 13(01), 2838–2847.
Article DOI: 10.30574/ijsra.2024.13.1.1933
Publication history: 
Received on 01 September 2024; revised on 04 October 2024; accepted on 17 October 2024
 
Abstract: 
The use of educational technology (Ed-tech) is becoming more prevalent in shaping teaching methods to meet the needs of modern learners. This study examines how Ed-tech is integrated into secondary Religious Studies classrooms in Lesotho, using the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework as a guide. By reviewing global literature, it looks at the opportunities and challenges of incorporating digital tools into Religious Studies, a subject aimed at developing social skills and moral values. Research suggests that technology can improve student engagement, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning through platforms like cloud-based learning and multimedia resources. However, Lesotho faces obstacles in implementing Ed-tech, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient teacher training, and outdated educational policies, which leads to a digital divide, especially in rural areas with limited access to electricity and the internet. The study concludes that while Ed-tech has the potential to transform Religious Studies education, addressing these systemic barriers is crucial for effective implementation. It recommends improving technological infrastructure, providing professional development for teachers, updating curriculum policies to meet 21st-century requirements, and integrating digital literacy into the Religious Studies curriculum. Overcoming these challenges will not only bridge the digital divide but also enhance the teaching and learning of Religious Studies, equipping learners with skills to navigate the ethical and digital complexities of the modern world.
 
Keywords: 
Practical challenges; Educational technology; Opportunities; Religious Studies
 
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Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0