What does ICT mean in education?

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can enhance student learning when teachers are proficient in its use and understand how to incorporate it into their curriculum. In schools, ICT is used for various purposes, such as communication, creation, dissemination, storage, and information management.

In some cases, ICT has become an integral part of the teaching and learning process, for example, through the use of interactive digital whiteboards instead of traditional chalkboards, the incorporation of students' own devices for in-class learning, and the "flipped classroom" model where students watch lectures at home and engage in interactive activities during class time.

When teachers are skilled in ICT, these approaches can foster higher-order thinking skills, provide personalized and creative options for students to demonstrate their understanding, and help students prepare for the technological changes they will encounter in society and the workforce.

ICT in Education 

The proliferation of computer technologies and other digital cultural elements has transformed how people live, work, play, and learn, influencing the global creation and distribution of knowledge and power. 

In many countries, digital literacy is promoted by incorporating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into schools. Some typical educational applications of ICT include:

• One laptop per child: Lower-cost laptops have been designed for use in schools on a 1:1 basis, with features such as low power consumption, a low-cost operating system, and special re-programming and mesh network functions. However, providing one laptop per child may be too expensive for some developing countries.
• Tablets: Tablets are small personal computers with a touchscreen, allowing input without a keyboard or mouse. Inexpensive learning software ("apps") can be downloaded onto tablets, making them versatile tools for learning. The most effective apps foster higher-order thinking skills and provide personalized and creative options for students to demonstrate their understanding.
• Interactive whiteboards or intelligent boards: Interactive whiteboards allow projected computer images to be displayed, manipulated, dragged, clicked, or copied. Simultaneously, handwritten notes can be saved on the board for later use. Interactive whiteboards are typically used for whole-class instruction rather than student-centered activities. Student engagement is generally higher when ICT is available throughout the classroom.
• E-readers: E-readers are electronic devices that can hold hundreds of books in digital form and are increasingly used to deliver reading material. Students - skilled readers and reluctant readers - have positively responded to using e-readers for independent reading. Features of e-readers that can contribute to positive use include their portability and long battery life, text responsiveness, and the ability to define unknown words. Many classic book titles are also available for free in e-book form.
• Flipped classrooms: The flipped classroom model involves lectures and practices at home via computer-guided instruction and interactive classroom learning activities, allowing for an expanded curriculum. There needs to be more research on the student learning outcomes of flipped classrooms. Student perceptions about flipped classrooms are mixed but generally positive, as they prefer cooperative learning activities in class over lectures.

Conclusion:

To effectively integrate ICT into their teaching, teachers need professional development opportunities focusing on using it for formative assessments, individualized instruction, online resources, and student interaction and collaboration. In addition, such training should improve teachers' attitudes towards ICT in the classroom and provide specific guidance on using ICT for teaching and learning within each discipline. 

For the investments made in ICT to benefit students, certain conditions must be met. School policies should establish the minimum acceptable infrastructure for ICT, including stable and affordable internet connectivity and security measures such as filters and site blockers. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is ICT?

ICT stands for information and communications technology. It uses computers, video cameras, telephones, and other electronic equipment in teaching, learning, and research.

What is an educator?

An educator is someone who teaches others how to learn.

What are the different types of educators?

There are many different types of educators. They include teachers, professors, counselors, librarians, administrators, and tutors.

What do educators do?

Educators do many things. They plan lessons, teach classes, grade tests, and give advice.

What do I need to know about being a teacher?

To be a teacher, you need to have a strong command of your subject area and be able to communicate effectively with students.

What is an effective way to teach?

An effective way to teach is to use visual aids such as pictures, diagrams, charts, and graphs.

What is a learning environment?

A learning environment is a place where people learn. It can be a classroom, a library, or another place where people learn.

What is the difference between ICT and Computer Science?

ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology. Computer Science is a branch of computer science that focuses on software design, development, implementation, and evaluation.

What is ICT used for in schools?

ICT is used in schools to teach students how to use computers. For example, students learn to use word processing programs, spreadsheets, databases, and other computer programs.

What is the difference between ICT and Computer Science?

Computer Science is a field that focuses on the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of the software.

What is ICT used for in schools?

ICT is used in schools to teach students how to use computers. For example, students learn to use word processing programs, spreadsheets, databases, and other computer programs.