Integration of emerging learning technologies in secondary school: A Burkina Faso case study

Education has become one of the biggest challenges within the African nation of Burkina Faso where teachers are often confronted with material shortages, lack of content, lack of equipment, and lack of opportunity for self-conducted learning (United Nations, 2013). In order to face these challenges educators are turning to Emerging Learning Technologies (ELTs) to help improve the quality of teaching and learning as well as the access to these learning opportunities (UNESCO, 2011). The term “ELTs” refers to mobile and smart phones that can run educational software. According to Education for All (2011), Secondary school attendance and completion are influenced by poverty, location and gender. Thus, technology integration in education, particularly using ELTs at the secondary school level can help compensate the lack of infrastructure, teachers´ shortage and schools supplies such as books. ELTs according to Ally (2009), have the potential to “reach people who live in remote locations where there are no school, teachers, or libraries.