THE USE OF ICT (E-LEARNING) IN MATHEMATICS INSTRUCTION IN TEACHER EDUCATION: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

The introduction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into education has transformed available technologies, the means, methods and activities involved in the teaching and learning process.  A fundamental tool that enhances this application of ICT in education is the e-learning. E-learning is a computer based educational tool or system that enables you to learn anywhere and at any time. E-learning can be delivered though the internet, intranet or using a blend of computer-based methods like CD-ROM. It offers the ability to share material in all kinds of formats such as videos, slideshows, word documents, HTML and pdf. E-learning being a technology and its pedagogically neutral, that is, a means and not a mode of education can therefore be applied to different content/subject matter like Mathematics for instance and within any curriculum just like the teacher education curriculum. The paper therefore examines; ICT concept and Teacher Education; e-learning and Mathematics instruction in Teacher Education with specific highlights of areas of Mathematics application and Mathematics e-learning resources.  The paper also examined both the challenges and prospects of the use of e-learning in Mathematics instruction in Teacher Education. The paper concludes on the need for mathematics e-learning application in teacher education and recommends among others; a reform in teacher education curriculum and in-service training for teachers to accommodate ICT in education generally and specifically mathematics e-learning application in order to meet the new educational challenges in Mathematics instruction