ICT in Education

ICT in Education ICT has a wide variety of applications in education

ICT as an Information Source One of the main applications of ICT in education is its use as an information source for both teachers and pupils The Internet – contains a wealth of information on almost every subject under the sun CD/DVD ROMs – make information available in new and interesting ways

ICT as an Information Source  Access to information not previously available Multimedia capabilities of CD/DVD ROM make for a more interesting learning experience Search capabilities ICT RESEARCH TOOLS Develops research skills – but there is a downside  Encourages independence? Internet cheaper than having to replace out of date textbooks every year???

ICT as an Information Source  Copy and Paste Culture - plagiarism!!! Digital Divide - not everyone has equal access to digital information “Over-reliance” on ICT ICT RESEARCH TOOLS Reliability and bias – how can you be sure information from the Internet is reliable? Key Skills in research are being lost – many pupils can’t use an index in a textbook!

Communication Presentation tools - DTP, word processing etc. to enhance the presentation of school work Electronic whiteboards and projectors to improve classroom delivery Use of email and text messages for communication between teachers and students

Learning Tools The market is full of “educational programs” designed to improve pupils’ skills in particular areas Spelling and Maths programs commonplace in primary Interactive revision programs CBT (Computer Based Training) in many practical subjects

Distance Learning U don’t even hav 2 go to skool to get an educashun like wot you did when I were a lad!!! Videoconferencing, webcasts and VLEs (Virtual Learning Environments) – allow students to log in and work from home BIG potential in developing countries

Tools/Distance Learning  New styles of learning to suit everybody Instant feedback of results Students can work at their own pace Many applications for SEN VIRTUAL TEACHERS? Cost-effective – cheaper than teachers!!! Collaboration through wikis, videoconferencing and forums 24/7 access to resources/lessons Access to education in developing countries

Tools/Distance Learning  Lots of educational software is American Some educationalists argue that CD/DVD interactivity reduces attention span The “Digital Divide” VIRTUAL TEACHERS? Loss of social skills No “personal” support Email and text messaging may reduce skills in literacy Hardware at its limits – is videoconferencing really feasible yet?

Administration Most aspects of school administration are now handled by ICT Electronic registration Reporting to parents Accounts/Budgeting Exam entries Timetabling Frees up teachers to spend more time in the classroom Unfortunately this means you’ll be seeing more of me!!!!

Summary/Revision Use the your textbook or the Internet to make your OWN notes on ICT in Education Your notes should cover the benefits/drawbacks of increased use of ICT in key areas