Benefits of using ICTs in education

Recently, the development of ICT gradually replaces the traditional teaching pedagogy. Face to face classroom interaction is getting replaced by on-line communication, traditional white or blackboard is getting replaced by interactive whiteboard, and books or printed resources are getting replaced by on-line resources.

The Potential Benefits of ITC

ICT can provide a considerable benefit in supporting learning. By using technology in their learning, the students can be active learners. They will be aware of what information they need, why they need it, and how they can get that information. An active learning allows the students to decide when they require a particular information and whether they have already understood that information or not. This active learning also implies an independent learning. By having access to internet in their school the students will not totally depend on the teachers.

ICT also can provide a way for dynamic and collaborative learning. By using internet our learning is not limited to the school hours, demographically where we are, and who our teachers are. We can access internet anytime and anywhere. E-learning allows the students to get information faster from everywhere and anytime. Technology also enables us to cross the demography limits. Rural students can access information from urban areas, get information and share knowledge with other students or teachers in the same area or even different countries. Besides dynamic learning, ICT allows all the human components of schools; the principals, administrators, teachers, IT coordinators, and the students to get involved in the collaborative learning and forming learning communities. By working together we can do what we can not do individually.

The most important learning aspect in collaborative learning that we want to achieve using ICT is interactivity and communication. “effective learning happens when students are interactively engaged in a learning task.” Learning using ICT is more than learning through memorization. It allows the learners to experience their learning processes, being interactive, enjoy and have fun with technology. By using technology to support collaborative learning, there will be not only human-machine interaction but also human-human interaction. Web-basedlearning context, for instance, allows the students to interact with teachers or other students mediated by machine.

ICT can improve children’s literacy ,the effective use of ICT can upgrade the students’ literacy and numeracy. Microsoft word, for instance, can motivate the children to learn writing skill. They can enjoy and being excited typing many new words using computer. It also can improve the children’s speaking and listening skills. This is because they may work collaboratively with their peers, teachers, and parents/adults. Those children need to hear what others say to them and tell what they want to know. The children also can develop their reading skills by reading stories accessed trough internet. Thus, ICT plays an important role in scaffolding process to improve children’s literacy. The use of ICT not only can support the cognitive development of the students but also increase their motivation to learn and their interaction in learning.