EDU-03 Concept and Importance of ICT in Education

Concept and Importance of ICT in Education

ICT is the extended synonym for IT, first used by academic researchers in 1980. It was popularized by Dennis Stevenson in 1997. It is used to refer the convergence audio visual and telephone networks with computer networks through a single cabling or link system. ICT implies that it consists of electronics devices and associated human interactive materials that enable the user to employ them for a wide range of teaching learning processes in addition to personnel use. These technologies include computers internet broadcasting technologies and telephony. Globalization and technological have created a new global economy powered by technology fuelled by information and driven by knowledge.

Definition of ICT

• ICT refers to activities are studies involving computers and other electronic technology. ICT is an abbreviation for information and Communications Technology.
• IT or ICT it is the technology required for information processing.
• The use of electronic computer and computer software to convert, store, protect, transmit and retrieve information from anywhere and any time.
• Electronic collection, editing, storage, distribution and presentation of information.
• Information - (data) in paper or electronic format (electronic communication)
• Communication-in person or electronically, in writing or voice, tele-communications, and broad casting.
• IT – including software, hardware and electronics
• Communications technology – including protocols, software, and hardware ICT in Education.
• The general notion of technology in education is reflected in the design preparation and production of textbook and other instructional materials for schools.
• The major important representation of information and communication technology in education is the presentation and use of teaching aids.
• The quality of teaching aid is improved ranges from a two dimensional chart to three dimensional model.
• There are many benefits of using ICT in the teaching and learning process.
• ICT provides full independence to the learner to select desirable education.
• It links learner to the multimedia resource doing away with our dependence on textbooks. Learners will have access to online education.
• It promotes independent, flexible education according to one`s own level and pace.
• It allows an individual to use his/her multiple cognitive abilities to the fullest extent. It assures lifelong learning.
• The advent of ICT the learner is not dependent on the teacher for formal interaction.
• ICT in education is any educational technology that is applied to the educational process.
• ICT in education is any technology that deals with the exchange of information or in other words communication in the teaching learning process.
• ICT in education is any information technology that focuses on the acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, transmission or reception of data required for the educational purpose.
• ICT in education comprises of the application of science of online/offline learning with the help of the computer technology.

Importance of ICT in Education

ICT has great potential for improving the teaching learning process. The important advantages:

• Individualized instruction- Help us to make use of self-instructional programmes.
• Improvement in the quality of teaching -To improve the quality of teaching and learning process with the help of Television and other medias.
• Improvement in the quality of evaluation- ICT assists teachers in making the evaluation speedy and accurate.
• Meeting the Problem of Mass Education -Programmers developed by experts for a large population of students with the use of computers, Television etc.
• Equalising Educational Opportunity.
• Distance learning
• Anytime learning
• Anywhere learning
• Collaborative learning
• Teaching of different subjects made interesting
• Educational storage
• Access to the source of information
• Better access to children with disabilities
• Reduces time on many routine tasks
• Multiple communication channels e-mail, chat, forum, blogs etc.
• Access to variety of learning resources- In this technological era, IT aids provides plenty of resources to enhance the teaching skills and learning ability. Wilt the help of IT now it is easy to provide audio-visual education.
• Immediacy to Information - IT has provided immediacy to education. Now IT has been introduced into well established patterns of working and living without radically altering them.
• Multimedia Approach to Education - Audio-visual education, planning, preparation and use of devices and materials that involve insight, sound or both for educational purposes. The growth of audio-visual education has reflected developments in both technology and learning theory.
• Authentic and up to Date Information - The information and data which are available on the net is purely correct and up to date.