DR Tunji
DR Tunji
DR Tunji
Firstly, what is ICT? ICT stands for “Information and communication technology”. ICT refers to
technologies that offer access to information through telecommunication. Such technologies
include the internet, wireless networks, cell phones and other mediums for communication.
According to UNESCO “ICT is a scientific, technological and engineering discipline and
management technique used in handling information, its application and association with social,
economic and cultural matters”.
In education ICT can be defined as the use of modern technologies that can aid teachers to teach
effectively. This implies the use of technology based programmes to ease the learning process in
the classroom for both teachers and students.
ICT improves self-paced learning through various apparatus such as assignments, CBT’s
(computer based tests) etcetera; as a result of this the teaching learning enterprise has become
more productive, dynamic etc.
ICT helps facilitate the transaction between producers and users by keeping the students updated
and enhancing teachers capacity and ability fostering a live contact between the teacher and the
student through e-mail, chalk session, e-learning, web-based learning including internet, intranet,
extranet, CD-ROM, TV audio-videotape.
E-learning– E-learning is also known as online learning. E–learning includes learning at all
levels both formal and non-formal that uses an information network e.g. the Internet, an intranet
(LAN) or extranet (WAN). The components include e-portfolios, cyber infrastructures, digital
libraries and online learning object repositories. All the above components create a digital
identity of the user and connect all the stakeholders in the education. It also facilitates inter
disciplinary research
Group Discussion – Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is among the popular Internet service people
mostly use for live chatting. Group of people with common interest can exchange views /
opinions with each other instantly through Internet. An example can be sited where during the
lockdown schools used the Zoom platform and other video conferencing platforms for classes
and this helped interaction between the students and their teachers.
E-Modules – Modules written are converted and stored into digital version into a computer using
word processor accessible by the user through internet. An example can be sited with school’s
that have created moodle platforms where notes are given, assignments and tests are uploaded on
for easy access by the students.
Improves engagement
When technology is used during lessons, students are expected to be more interested in the
subjects they are studying. Technology provides various opportunities to make learning more fun
and enjoyable. In simple terms, it is teaching same things in new ways. Also, technology can
encourage students in participating more actively in the learning process which can be hard to
achieve through a traditional lecture environment.
Students who are engaged and interested in things they are studying, are expected to have better
knowledge retention. As mentioned earlier, technology helps to encourage active participation in
the classroom which is a very important factor for in helping students have better understanding
and remembrance.
Encourages individual learning
No one learns in the same way because of different learning styles and different abilities.
Technology provides great opportunities for making learning more effective for everyone with
different needs. For example, students can learn at their own speed, review difficult concepts or
skip ahead if they need to. What is more, technology can provide more opportunities for
struggling or disabled students. Access to the Internet gives students access to a broad range of
resources to conduct research in different ways, which in turn can increase the engagement.
Encourages collaboration
Students can practice collaboration skills by getting involved in different online activities; this
can be achieved by working on different projects with other people. Technology can encourage
collaboration with students in the same classroom within the same school and even with other
classrooms around the world.
By using technology in the classroom, both teachers and students can develop skills essential for
the 21st century. Students can gain the skills they will need to be successful in the future.
Modern learning is about collaborating with others, solving complex problems, critical thinking,
developing different forms of communication and leadership skills, and improving motivation
and productivity. Also, technology can help develop many practical skills like; creating
presentations, learning to differentiate reliable from unreliable sources on the Internet,
maintaining proper online etiquette, and writing emails. These are very important skills that can
be developed in the classroom.
With countless online resources, technology can help improve teaching. Teachers can use
different apps or trusted online resources to enhance the traditional ways of teaching and to keep
students more engaged. Virtual lesson plans, grading software and online assessments can help
teachers save a lot time. This valuable time can be used for working with students who are
struggling. What is more, having virtual learning environments in schools enhances collaboration
and knowledge sharing between teachers.
CONCLUSION
ICT in education is very beneficial in this day and age and so it is very necessary for schools to
adopt these technologies and train the teachers and students on its uses and maintenance to help
them ease into it. However, to successfully implement these technologies, a school would need
to consider various aspects such as its culture, leaders, ethics, and technological management
system; in order to avoid any problems that may arise.
References
Anu Sharma, Kapil Gandhar, Sameer Sharma, Seema Seema (2011). Role of ICT in the
Process of Teaching and Learning.
WEBANYWHERE info (2016). Top 6 benefits of using technology in the classroom. Retrieved
from: https://www.webanywhere.co.uk/blog/2016/02/top-6-benefits-technology-classroom/