Educational benefits of ICT tools and techniques

The world of Technology is advancing very rapidly and  is continuously changing.  Civilization can be identified by the stages of technology development i.e., stone age, bronze age, iron age, steam age, atomic age and computer age. Human civilization is technology dependent. Technology can be used as a tool for inquiry, a tool for construction, a tool for communication, a tool for expression, a tool for productivity and a tool to assist in problem solving and the making of informed decisions (Thomas et. al. 2002).

Definitions

Information technology (IT) is defined as the study or use of electronic equipment, especially computers for storing, analysing and sending out information.
Communication technology is the process of sending, receiving and exchanging information.
Information and communication technology (ICT) is a generic term referring to technologies, which are being used for collecting, storing, editing and passing on information in various forms (SER,1997). ICT literacy basically involves using digital technology, communication tools and/or access, manage, integrate, evaluate and create information in order to function in a knowledge society. 

The scope of Information and communication technology 

ICT is a major factor in shaping the new global economy and producing rapid changes in the society. The emergence of the ‘knowledge- based society’ is changing the global economy and status of education. In a short time, ICT has become one of the basic requirements of learning environment. ICTs provide students with skills to function effectively in this dynamic, information – rich and continuously changing environment. ICTs provide an array of powerful tools that may help in transforming the present isolated teacher- centered and text-book bound classrooms into rich, student-focused and interactive knowledge environment. ICT promotes the skill of learning to learn and improves their learning outcomes. ICT provides “head- heart and hand approach” to learning.

There are 3 aspects in technology based learning: learning from the technology, learning about the technology and learning with the technology.
Tools and techniques can be broadly defined as the practical methods and skills applied to specific activities to enable improvements. Tools are wonderful and powerful things. We use hundreds of them every day for a multitude of simple and complex purposes. \

Definition of technology and tools

Technology may be defined as the “systematic application of scientific or other organized knowledge to practical tasks” (Galbraith 1967). Technology is also referred to as the “application of scientific knowledge for human purpose.”

Technology communication tools- to collaborate publish and interact with peers, experts and audiences.
Technology research tools- to locate information, to process data and report results.
Technology productivity tools- construct models
Technology problem solving and decision- making tools

Kinds of  ICT tools

• ·Multimedia PC, laptop, notebook.
• CDs& DVDs. digital video, still camera.
• Internet and its tools- e-mail ,browsers, website, search engines, chat etc.
• Computer aided instruction& computer mediated conferencing, video/audio conferencing.
• Digital libraries , e-books& electronic publications.
• Interactive TVs.
• Microsoft publishing -news letter, poster, brochure.

ICT and education

ICT has transformed education. ICT caters to different learning styles. ICT helps students to gain valuable computer skills. ICT aids in collaboration and group work. ICT aids in the visualization of difficult concepts. ICT promote creativity. ICT enable multiplier effect of documents and communication. ICT provide flexibility and variety in learning. ICT provide a multimedia presence in the classroom.

Kinds of digital techniques 

• Word processing -documents, notes, projects, assignments
• Spread sheet programming -records, exam scores
• Data bases -information storage
• Graphing software -to prepare teaching-learning resources
• Developing Multimedia kits -to make process interesting
• Using internet and e-mail facilities -to gain knowledge
• Games and simulations -to improve quality of learning

Uses of information technology tools in learning 

Learners use computer-based services to search for and find relevant information in a range of contexts; Learners retrieve information using a variety of media; Learners decode information in variety of forms- written, statistical and graphic; Learners critically evaluate information,( the interconnectedness )of different fields of knowledge; Learners can use computer based services to write, analyse, present and communicate information; Learners can use information technologies to create networks of co-learners and to share, collaborate and construct knowledge.

Benefits of Computer based technology

Computer technology has undergone unparallel development. Computer capacity has doubled every 18 months, since the advent of the microprocessor 25 years ago.

1. Multi-sensory delivery: Text, graphics, animation, sound and video.
2. Active learning: enhanced learner interest.
3. Co-operative learning: positive group/social interaction.
4. Communication Skills: one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-many.
5. Multicultural education: link students from across the country/around the world.
6. Motivation: greater learner engagement (time).