Exploring the impact of ICT on the learning of biology.

Richard Chole

Recently, at PMM Girls’ School in Jinja, Uganda, I met a teacher I already knew for his innovative methods. He was leading an engaging lesson, integrating Google Drive into his Senior Five biology class. The excited students were clearly enjoying the ICT-driven learning experience.

Mr. Emokol Emmy had introduced ICT tools two weeks earlier to enhance biology studies. Day scholars used WhatsApp to share and receive information via their mobile phones, while boarders relied on Google Drive for learning activities.

Inspired by this initiative, I created a Google Forms survey to assess its impact. Four day scholars and nine boarders participated. The survey aimed to:

Evaluate the impact of WhatsApp and Google Drive on biology learning.
Gather student feedback on the effectiveness, benefits, and challenges of these tools.
Compare digital learning with traditional teaching methods.

To achieve these goals, the survey:

Assessed students’ use of WhatsApp and Google Drive for biology.
Measured the duration and frequency of use.
Identified advantages and challenges of these platforms.
Evaluated student satisfaction and engagement.
Explored how these tools enhance understanding and retention of biology concepts.

SURVEY FEEDBACK OF THE DAY SCHOLARS

1. Briefly describe how you are using the WhatsApp platform to learn biology.

I use it to conduct research and easily interact with the teacher to ask questions where I don’t understand.
It is an easy platform for communication and helps us engage in online discussions.
I use WhatsApp to learn biology by interpreting the work and sharing different ideas.
I learn biology through a WhatsApp group where Mr. Emokol sends notes and tests in the form of links and documents, helping us stay engaged with our revision.

2. For approximately how long have you been using the WhatsApp platform for your biology lessons?

Two weeks.
Two weeks.
I think about three weeks.
Two weeks.

3. What have you liked about using the WhatsApp platform to learn biology?

It makes learning easier since we can interact with the teacher and other students to generate ideas.
It is easy to access biology-related information from anywhere.
It is quick and efficient, and some materials are summarized.
It is not tiresome and keeps me engaged with my revision.

4. What have you found challenging?

Not having money for internet data.
Poor internet connection or weak network quality.
When I don’t have data to access the notes being shared.
Nothing so far.

5. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being very bad and 5 being excellent, rate the use of the WhatsApp platform for learning biology.

6. In what ways is the use of the WhatsApp platform better than traditional teaching methods?

It is very different because if I don’t understand something from the teacher, it’s easier to search for the concept using WhatsApp or Meta AI.
Modern methods improve critical thinking through searching and discussions, whereas traditional methods often result in students being more introverted and less social.
WhatsApp is quicker and easier for learning, while traditional methods can be tiresome, especially for students who take longer to understand the teacher’s explanations.
It allows us to learn biology in a modern way, making our studies easier. Students don’t get as exhausted, and there are many resources to rely on for more information, such as Meta AI, ChatGPT, YouTube, Quizlet, and apps like Cell Biology.

7. If you have anything else to share about using the WhatsApp platform for teaching and learning, please share it here.

It can also help us conduct online lessons from anywhere, saving time while adopting modern technology.
We should continue using the WhatsApp platform for teaching and learning because it is the quickest method and helps students understand more concepts.

SURVEY FEEDBACK OF THE BORDERS

1. Briefly describe how you are using Google Drive to learn biology.

I use Google Drive to access, store, and share study materials, documents, and assignments.
I use it for online testing, something I had never experienced before, and I am now learning more about online teaching.
I make biology notes and summaries using Google Drive.
Notes are sent to our Gmail accounts by the teacher, helping us know where to start our research, and topical questions are given to enhance our memory.
Google Drive has helped us adopt new skills such as typing and organizing digital files.
I use it for research, revision, and detailed study.
Through Google Drive, we can access biology materials easily, making learning more convenient.
I use it to get biology notes, which increase my knowledge and understanding. I also conduct additional research to supplement what the teacher provides.

2. For approximately how long have you been using Google Drive for your biology lessons?

Two weeks.
2-3 days.
Two days.
Three times.
Three times.

3. What have you liked about using Google Drive to learn biology?

It is fast and allows students to explore topics in depth through online research.
It helps us develop ICT skills that will be useful in the future.
It enhances accessibility, organization, and collaboration.
I have learned to upload, rename, and edit files, improving my ICT skills in using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
It is convenient and provides summarized information.
It is a quick method that saves time and helps us develop new digital skills.
I like that we are using ICT to learn biology, making work easier and improving time management.

4. What have you found challenging?

Sometimes, it is difficult to type at the required speed.
Staring at the computer screen for too long can cause eye strain.
Finding reliable notes on the internet.
Potential security risks and difficulties with large file uploads.
Slow typing skills.
Network connection issues and limited access to gadgets.
Some students have limited hands-on experience with computers due to inadequate resources.
Internet access is challenging for boarding students, especially on Sundays.
Not knowing how to use some features on the computer, such as keyboard shortcuts.

5. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being very bad and 5 being excellent, rate the use of Google Drive for learning biology.

6. In what ways is the use of Google Drive better than traditional teaching methods?

It provides more access to information and encourages deeper research compared to traditional methods, which are often limited.
It enables instant feedback, resource sharing, and integration of multimedia.
Google Drive allows teachers and students to collaborate on assignments and projects, even when they are not together.
It enhances organization and reduces paperwork, making information easy to access at any time.
Google Drive exposes students to new information beyond what is in textbooks.
It helps develop typing and creative skills.
Notes are already organized and easy to understand, reducing errors in spelling and note-taking.
It allows students to manage their time effectively, ensuring they complete assignments without pressure.
Google Drive helps us “kill two birds with one stone”—we learn how it operates while also completing assignments more efficiently, unlike traditional methods that require copying and rewriting from research sources.

7. If you have anything else to share about using Google Drive for teaching and learning, please share it here.

I am grateful for being introduced to this method because it will benefit us greatly.
Google Drive is educational, as it helps us learn how to use computers.
I suggest that all teachers adopt this method because it benefits both students and teachers, aligning with the new curriculum.
The use of Google Drive should be encouraged, as it equips students with skills necessary for job creation and self-reliance.
I believe students should be given more opportunities to practice typing to improve their digital skills.

Conclusions

The utilization of google drive, including WhatsApp with aid of personal mobile phones for the case of day schools interesting outcomes in the students learning experiences. The following were the key findings of the short survey:

Positive impact of ICT on learning

The day scholars reported that WhatsApp “eases learning since we are able to interact with the teacher and other colleagues to generate ideas.”. Google Drive enables students to “store, access, and share work online” and “collaborate on papers and assignments even when they are not together.” One student noted that Google Drive “helps in compacting new skills”.

Improved Research and Critical Thinking Skills

A student mentioned that WhatsApp enables “interpretation of work through using different ideas,” showing that it encourages discussion and deeper understanding. Another student stated that Google Drive “allows students to research more and go deeper into a certain topic”, unlike traditional methods that limit exploration. One student emphasized that digital learning “improves critical thinking through searching and discussing, whereas traditional methods lead to people being introverted and less social.”

Convenience and Time Efficiency

WhatsApp was praised as “easy and quick in terms of work, or I can say some are summarized.” Students appreciated Google Drive for being “fast and convenient” and allowing them to “attempt assignments in a short period of time.” One student noted that with Google Drive, “we are hitting two birds with one stone: we are learning how it operates, and on top of that, assignments are easy to attempt.”

Challenges with ICT Adoption

Students frequently mentioned “not having money for internet data” and “poor internet connection or weak network quality” as obstacles. One student struggled with “finding the notes on the internet,” while another mentioned “not knowing how to use some things like what some buttons mean on the keyboard.” Another challenge was “potential security risks and difficulties with large file uploads.”

Preference for Digital Learning Over Traditional Methods

A student noted that “WhatsApp is quicker and easier for learning, whereas traditional methods can be tiresome.” Another student stated, “Google Drive helps us get newly discovered information to add to what is in books, whereas traditional teaching was based mostly on books.” A significant benefit highlighted was that digital learning helps “students who take longer to understand a teacher’s explanation” by allowing them to revisit material at their own pace.

Need for Expansion and Support

Several students suggested that “all subjects should use this method.” One student emphasized the need for “more hands-on practice with computers, as some students have limited access.” Another student recommended that “teachers should adopt this method because it favors both students and teachers.”

The feedback confirms that within two weeks, ICT tools like WhatsApp and Google Drive have significantly improved student engagement, research skills, and access to learning materials. However, challenges such as internet access, digital literacy, and the need for wider adoption must be addressed to fully optimize these learning methods.

Survey by Chole Richard, an independent practitioner in education with technical support of Mr. Emokol Emmy, teacher of biology and chemistry at PMM Girls’ School in Jinja.

Beyond Chalk and Talk: A Teacher’s Journey with ICT in the Biology Classroom – Chole Richard

Beyond the textbook: a teacher’s journey with google drive in biology – Chole Richard