The role of digital technology in tourism education: A case study of South African secondary schools

Abstract

This paper discusses how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) supports tourism teaching in South African secondary schools. The researchers conducted an in-depth case study with 24 participants. An analysis reveals that teachers recognise ICT as essential in exposing students to the tourism industry. This is especially the case in under-resourced schools, where learners do not have the financial means to participate in tourism activities. However, ICT is still limited in its integration as a pedagogical support tool. The major obstacles toward integration include: technology anxiety, lack of training, availability of resources, and learner resistance to use their personal mobile devices.