Information and Communication Technology

1.1.4 ICTs for Education

1.1.4 INCTs for Education

The use of ICTs in education aims to improve the quality of teaching and learning as well as democratize the access to education. The Internet enables students and teachers to have access to vast amounts of up-to-date information and knowledge not only from traditional sources such as libraries, but also from museums, research centres and government institutions. The many multimedia learning materials that are now available are engaging for learners and encourage learning by exploration (discovery and experiential learning). The learning environment is expanded significantly with students now able to connect with each other, with their teachers/instructors and with other experts through email, conferencing, message boards and e-forums. Moreover, appropriate use of ICTs in the classroom fosters critical, integrative and contextual teaching and learning; develops information literacy (the ability to locate, evaluate and use information); promotes teaching across the curriculum; and enables students to apply abstract concepts learned in class to real-world problems. Also, ICT-enhanced modes of education such as distance education and on-line learning make possible continuous teacher training and student learning. Thus, it improves the overall efficiency of the delivery of education in schools and educational management institutions at the national, state and community levels.