ICT AS A TEACHING AID

The use of ICT as teaching aid is viable in this century of ours. ICT as teaching aid can be interpreted as Instructional Technology. Instructional Technology can be defined as exactly as it sounds, using computers, CD-ROMs, interactive media, modems, satellites, teleconferencing and other technological means to support learning.

In other words, ICT in education is any hardware and software technology that contribute in the educational information processing. That is to say, 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.

Purposes of ICT in education:
· To broadcast material, online facility or CD-ROM can be used as sources of information in different subjects;
· To facilitate communication for people with special needs.
· To use the online resource like, email, Chat, discussion forum to support collaborative writing and sharing of information.
· To facilitate video-conferencing or other form of Tele conferencing to involve wide range of students from distant Geographic areas.
· For blended learning by combining conventional classroom learning with E-learning systems
· To process administrative and assessment data.
· To exchange and share ideas -among teachers for the professional growth.
· To carry out internet-based research to enhance educational process
· To explain and clarify a difficult point
· To furnish background information



Characteristics and Nature of Instructional Technology:
· It develops new concepts like programmed learning, video tape, projector and computer etc.
· It can be used successfully in teaching and instructional system.
· It cannot replace the teacher
· It is helpful in achieving cognitive objectives.
· It can meet the shortage of effective teachers
· With its help, the students can learn according to his needs and speed if maximally used.
· It can control the individual differences.
· Analysis of contents in depth is carried out in this technology.

ADVANTAGES OF THE USE OF ICT IN EDUCATION:
Quick access to information: 

Information can be accessed in seconds by connecting to the internet and surfing through Web pages.

Easy availability of updated data: 

Sitting at home or at any comfortable place, one can get the desired information accessed easily. This helps the students to learn the updated content. Teachers too can keep themselves abreast of the latest teaching learning strategies and related technologies. Connecting Geographically dispersed regions: With the advancement of ICT, education does not remain restricted within four walls of the educational institutions. Students from different parts of the world can learn together by using online, offline resources. This would result in the enriching learning experience. Such 

collaborative learning can result in developing... 

• divergent thinking ability in students, 

• Global perspectives 

• respect for varied nature of human life and acculturation. 

• Facilitation of learning.

Taking Care of Individual differences: 

ICT can contribute in caring for individual needs of the students as per their capabilities and interest. Crowded class rooms have always been a challenge for the teacher to consider the needs of every student in the class.

Wider range of communication media: 

With the advent of ICT, different means of communication are being introduced in the teaching learning process. Offline learning, online learning, blended learning are some of the resources that can be used in educational institutions. Collaborative learning, individualized learning strategies can enhance the quality of group as well as individual learning with the real society. This can ensure the applicability of knowledge.

Wider learning opportunities for learners: 

Application of latest ICT in education has provided many options to the learners to opt for the course of their choices. Many Online courses are available for them to select any as per their aptitude and interest. Students can evaluate their own progress through different quizzes, ready to use online tests. This can ensure fulfillment of the employment required in the job market thus minimizing the problem of unemployment. It can also provide more efficient and effective citizens to the society as per the changing needs.

These are other advantages:
Improved pastoral care and behaviour management through better tracking of students
Gains in understanding and analytical skills, including improvements in reading Comprehension.
Development of writing skills (including spelling, grammar, punctuation, editing and re-drafting), also fluency, originality and elaboration.
Encouragement of independent and active learning, and self-responsibility for learning.
Students found learning in a technology-enhanced setting more stimulating and student-centred than in a traditional classroom
Opportunities to address their work to an external audience
Opportunities to collaborate on assignments with people outside or inside school
ICT facilities make learning faster
ICT facilities make learning more permanent
ICT facilities make learning more enjoyable

Note these as students:
· If you are not conversant with the use of computer and other ICT facilities you are missing a great deal.
· Without adequate knowledge of ICT, you will struggle where you ought to conveniently have access to information.
· You depend so much on others to get what may cost you little or no effort and they may in turn waste your time.

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