| Summary: | Thesis (MTech (Education))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2005 === This research study attempted to identify the computer science needs of a rural school
and then attempted to see to what extent a higher education institution could meet
those needs and to what extent it could not, through a service-Ieaming project. The
study also attempted to develop a framework to guide the implementation of a serviceleaming
project in computer science for a rural school.
The study was set against the literature on the need for higher education to transform
and demonstrate greater responsibility and commitment to social and economic
development of society in general, and the need for increased participation,
collaboration and partnership formation through service-learning projects in particular.
The literature on computer use in schools and best practice for service-learning in
higher education was also reviewed.
Using qualitative approaches and data production methods the school teachers,
learners, students and lecturers in a higher education institution were interviewed in
order to establish the computer science needs of the school and to find out how the
students and lecturers could address those needs through service-learning.
The research findings indicated that the rural school in De Doorns has a serious lack
of essential computer-related infrastructure such as the computer laboratory,
computers, and well-trained staff in using computers. Other computer science-related needs included proposal writing, technical assistance and security personnel. The
research findings also revealed that students and lecturers in the departments of
Information Technology, Office Management, Human Resource Management and
Education could be involved in the training of staff, enhancement of computer skills
and proposal writing. From the research findings, it became evident that the two
school community needs, Le. the provision of computer laboratories and security
services, could not be addressed through service-Ieaming, but through funding
proposals and fundraising that involved the Western Cape Education Department and
the private sector.
The study therefore demonstrates possible partnerships between schools and higher
education institutions and calls for collaborative efforts that include government
departments and the private sector in order to make education beneficial to the
development of school learners, students in higher education and South African
communities in general.
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