Why Technology?

In the 21st century, understanding and using technology will be an integral part of virtually every aspect of daily life. It is the school system’s responsibility to prepare students for this future. The classroom is the primary place where this preparation will occur; therefore, every classroom must be equipped with technology to support teaching and learning. Every teacher must be knowledgeable and skilled in the use of these technologies in daily instruction. When integrated into instruction, technology will support new strategies for teaching and learning by:

addressing diverse learning styles,
accommodating individual learning rates,
encouraging cooperative learning,
helping students accept responsibility for their learning,
providing the means to communicate globally, and
improving academic achievement in all areas.
The use of technology in instruction changes the structure of the classroom. No longer should the teacher rely solely on the traditional lecture/seat work method of instruction. In a technology-rich, student-centered classroom, the teacher serves as a facilitator of instruction, mentor, and coach. Technology will provide a record of the student’s academic history and ways to manage learning progress and activities. Teachers have the data and information needed to individualize instruction and assessment as well as make other important instructional management decisions. Through technology, teachers and students will access a wealth of materials, services, and networks throughout the state, nation, and world. Technology does not replace the teacher, but rather supports and enhances the educational process.

Introduction

ICT Stands for “Information and Communication Technologies.” ICT refers to technologies that provide access to information through telecommunications. It is similar to Information Technology (IT), but focuses primarily on communication technologies. This includes the Internet, wireless networks, cell phones, and other communication mediums.

In the past few decades, information and communication technologies have provided society with a vast array of new communication capabilities. For example, people can communicate in real-time with others in different countries using technologies such as instant messaging, voice over IP (VoIP), and video-conferencing. Social networkingwebsites like Facebook allow users from all over the world to remain in contact and communicate on a regular basis.

Modern information and communication technologies have created a “global village,” in which people can communicate with others across the world as if they were living next door. For this reason, ICT is often studied in the context of how modern communication technologies affect society