Electronic resource usage by educators from Gauteng Online schools in Gauteng, South Africa

Abstract

This study explored the use of e-resources among educators from schools that benefited from online Gauteng in Gauteng, South Africa. The objectives were to establish the types of resources available and determine the level of awareness, extent of the use of e-resources, and problems faced.  A quantitative research design was used to collect data using a structured questionnaire.  The population comprised 234 educators from Gauteng Online schools, while a cluster sampling technique was used to select a sample of 234 educators from Gauteng Province, with districts as clusters. Data were analysed using the SPSS software.

The findings revealed that the majority of educators were aware of available e-resources. This study also found a high frequency of use. The findings indicated that few respondents used e-resources for teaching and learning. However, inadequate computers, irregular power supply, and slow Internet speed have been identified as major constraints in using e-resources. Upgrading infrastructure, adopting appropriate social media tools to promote awareness, and collaborative efforts by teacher librarians and principals to train educators on the use of specialised databases are recommended.