Digital Divide or Digital Bridge? Evaluating the Impact of ICT Integration in South Africa’s Rural Schools

Abstract

The advent of the knowledge economy necessitates the development of specific skills pertinent to 21st-century citizens, such as global competitiveness and the proficient use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for personal and economic advancement. In response, nations worldwide, both developed and developing, are reforming educational curricula and promoting the integration of ICTs in teaching and learning. South Africa is no exception and through policy initiatives aimed to enhance educational opportunities by equipping all schools with laptops and tablets by 2013. Rural schools were to be given particular attention through the development of eLearning. This study explores the alignment between eLearning policy directives and their implementation in rural schools. The research engaged five school principals and one district official, employing semi-structured interviews and document analysis as data collection methods. The findings reveal that teachers lack training to effectively integrate ICTs into educational practices. Despite a revised implementation strategy from 2013 to 2025, progress remains minimal and disproportionately favours smart schools within the province rather than a universal application. The study advocates for the KwaZulu-Natal education department to prioritise comprehensive ICT integration training for teachers across all educational phases. Furthermore, it recommends an expansive distribution of devices in form of tablets and laptops to include primary schools and calls for a national curriculum overhaul to meet the needs of the 21st-century learner. Teachers are also encouraged to proactively seek professional development opportunities independently of departmental offerings.