When Computers are Scarce: a Case of Botswana Schools

The Insufficient number of computers in school is a major problem plaguing most developing regions. In Botswana, as an effort to improve the quality of education, the government has equipped schools with computers to enhance learning. This paper reports on a study that was done in one secondary school in Botswana to investigate technology use. The researcher visited the school and observed how teachers and students were using computers. Interviews were conducted with the participants to get their views on technology use in their school. The results of the study revealed that the number of computers provided was very small compared to the number of students enrolled. Teachers were willing to use technology in their lessons but their efforts were discouraged by inaccessibility to the computers. The paper also provides some recommendations on how people can best use the limited number of computers they have to make the most from them.