Transformative Role of ICT in Education

The last few years have seen enormous developments in the field of education. This evolution, though already in progress, took a big leap during the pandemic when the teaching-learning process had to adapt to the restrictive circumstances quickly. Traditional teaching methods gave way to hybrid learning environments with technology at the helm. Such has been the impact of ICT in education that today, even when the situation has returned to normal, many schools see the advantage of offering online learning in addition to traditional teaching methods. Every educator today must grasp the importance of ICT in education, but before we begin to understand the role of ICT in education, what it entails and how it impacts education, we must first understand the meaning of ICT in education.

What is ICT in Education?

ICT stands for ‘Information and Communication Technologies’. In other words, technology-enabled ‘newer’ ways to access information and modes of communication. There are two aspects to consider here. One, access to Information and second the different modes of communication.

With the use of technology in education (EdTech) the heavy reliance of traditional teaching methods on textbooks has given way to more updated, relevant and current information. Both teachers and students now have unprecedented access to in-depth knowledge on any lesson and can tap into multiple resources to understand, teach and learn various aspects of any topic.

ICT has also revolutionised EdTech by offering diverse modes of communication that help increase accessibility at the same time aid collaboration. Students can have their doubts addressed through chats or emails outside the physical classroom and find ways of working together such as online forums and activity rooms from varied locations.

ICT has enabled EdTech to overcome the limitations of physical access as well as those of traditional teaching methods. From interactive classrooms to personalised learning platforms, ICT revolutionises education aiding EdTech’s objective to harness its power to create engaging, accessible, and personalised learning experiences for all.

Key Components of ICT

ICT makes this access possible through its various components. Some of the main ones are listed below:

• Internet and World Wide Web

  The Internet is perhaps one of the most crucial components of ICT. It is through the Internet and the World Wide Web that information and users sitting in faraway geographies become accessible at a click. The Internet becomes a gateway to access non-resident knowledge.

• Networks

  The internet is a great example of a global network. Besides the internet ICT utilises networks in local areas (LAN) as well as wider areas (WAN) to connect users. These networks facilitate collaboration and sharing of information.

• Hardware

  Hardware comprises devices that make the networks. These include connecting equipment such as servers, routers etc. and smart devices such as computers, laptops, tablets and phones. Constant upgradation in the hardware has meant quicker access to networks, faster processing and much larger storage and databases.

• Software

  A crucial component, software plays the role of making all information, networks and hardware usable for a layperson. Software includes large ERPs such as Word processors, PowerPoint presentations, and Excel spreadsheets as well as new-age operating systems and applications such as Canva and Video editors.

Impact and Role of ICT in Teaching-Learning Process

• Personalised Learning

  No one knows better than teachers that each student is different. They learn and process the same information differently. ICT enables the benefits of personalised learning through smart EdTech solutions such as Extramarks Smart Class Plus.

• Efficient Assessment and Feedback

  Teachers can save time with online assessments and quizzes, some of which can be graded automatically such as Extramarks Assessment Centre, a scientific, hassle-free assessment tool that facilitates and automates assessments. They can also use the data generated through ICT to identify the unique learning needs of different students and help them learn better through targeted feedback.

• Interactive Teaching Methods that Increase Student Attention & Engagement

  ICT enables Interactive and unconventional learning methods that put students in the driver’s seat. This orients the whole teaching-learning experience to being student-centric. Innovative and interactive learning methods engage the student and hold their attention better aiding the learning process.

• Improves Teaching Skills

  A big advantage of ICT for teachers is the ease of skill upgradation, access to new teaching methodologies, and the latest research. New-age EdTech improves teaching skills by providing support for designing or customising worksheets, activities, and lesson plans, helping teachers work more creatively and efficiently.

• Makes Teaching and Learning Process Easier

  ICT in education is a win-win for both teachers and students, making the teaching-learning experience easier on both ends. Flexible learning where students can go more in-depth on topics of their own choice, self-paced learning for those who need more practice or have mastered the topic to jump ahead, Flipped Classrooms, where students go through the concepts with the help of smart EdTech and use class time to clear their doubts; are all great examples of innovative learning methods making it more fun for students to learn and for teachers to guide the process.

• Teacher Professional Development

  Professional development for teachers has become extremely accessible through ICT development. Technology not only helps teachers keep up to date with all new developments in the field of education but also connects them with multiple learning and training opportunities such as online courses, webinars, subject area expertise tips, new methodologies and skills from across the globe.

• Encourages Collaboration and Global Connections

  ICT in education also enables virtual classrooms, online forums and the ability to connect with students, teachers or resources from across the globe. It introduces students to different cultures and geography, giving them larger perspectives, cultural sensitivity and the ability to work on real-life problems and solutions.

• Increases Productivity Of Students

  With so much more information that keeps their attention and interest focused, students remain more engaged in the lesson. More engagement leads to more learning and a better grasp of the lesson, while real-time addressing of doubts results in less time wasted.

• Inclusive Education

  A big contribution of ICT in education is enabling education for everyone, regardless of their abilities, disabilities, or background. Diverse learning methods mean no one with special needs or from marginalised backgrounds is left behind.

Different ICT Tools

• E-Readers

  E-readers enable easy access to a large number of textbooks and other study materials for students in a single place. The convenience of being able to access all their information through one device instead of carrying around heavy books and research makes this the most versatile ICT tool. Smart functions such as search and find, storage and editing of assignments and glare-free screens that are not harmful to the eyes make it a preference for students, parents and teachers.

• Educational Software

  Educational apps, software and online learning platforms such as Extramarks are resources where experts have already done a lot of in-depth work needed by the teachers. They cover multiple topics and levels, leveraging innovative learning methods such as gamifying, quizzes or interactive learning methods that help students refine their learning. Teachers can use these to support their lesson plans and curriculum.

• Computers and Tablets

  The most commonly used ICT tools by both teachers and students are computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. These devices are used to access lessons, conduct topic research, produce projects, and grade assignments.

• Cloud Storage

  Investing in cloud storage has become a norm in these times for institutions. This allows students to have easy access to topics covered in class and the ability to over them again if needed. Questions, assessments and projects can be uploaded for teacher reviews providing a transparent system of teaching and learning activity. With the ability to store large amounts of data cloud storage also enables data analytics and insights on student learning and needs as they evolve.

• Projectors and Interactive whiteboards

  Becoming increasingly popular, interactive whiteboards are essentially smart boards for teaching. They can be connected to a network to pre-load lessons making teaching in the classroom easier. Teachers can use it to share 3D diagrams, flowcharts, real images, etc., allowing for both forward and backward explanations with ease. The interactive nature of the projectors and whiteboards keeps students engaged in the lesson, aiding better retention and learning.

• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

  The immersive nature of virtual and augmented reality has added a unique dimension to education. Virtual reality in education helps students play out the challenges and come up with solutions that might address them. This allows them to experience the outcome rather than having only theoretical knowledge. Augmented reality in education, on the other hand, helps the students experience aspects of their lessons in person. Students can enjoy and explore spaces that they do not have geographical access to such as historical monuments and art exhibits.

As ICT heralds in a new era of education, its constantly evolving nature can sometimes overwhelm. It is essential to keep in mind that EdTech is a tool that can benefit both teachers and students. Edtech can lighten the increasing burden on teachers while enhancing the learning experience for students. ICT in education and classrooms is a microcosm of the role it plays in the world at large and teachers can help students learn how to use it consciously and proactively.

Last Updated on March 26, 2024