The Potential of ICT

Articles

ICT Standard IX

ICT Standard X

The Potential of ICT

Q. 1	Define Information and Communication Technology. Information and Communication Technology refers to different forms of technology that allow us to transmit, store, create, process and share information by electronic means. This includes technologies such as radio, TV, Videos, Telephones, DVDs CDs, Computers, the related software and hardware, Satellite systems and all associated technologies. In brief, exchanging information using communication technologies is known as ICT.
Q. 2	What are the important elements of ICT? There are 6 important elements of ICT. They are: People, Information, Communication, Procedures, Hardware and Software.
Q. 3	Define Information Super Highway. Today the information Super Highway is the Internet. The Information Super Highway is defined as the Global Information and Communication Network, which includes the Internet, Telephone Networks, Television and Satellite Communication Networks.
Q. 4	Define Knowledge Society. Knowledge Society refers to a society where knowledge is the main resource instead of Capital and Labour. In former times Industrial Production used to be the main source of Economic activities. With the rapid globalization this has changed and now Knowledge is the major source of productivity. A knowledge society creates, shares, and uses knowledge for the prosperity of its people.
Q. 5	Write two roles of educator to promote literacy. Educators can improve literacy by performing various roles such as Learner, Planner, Teachers and Examiners. Planner: Proper planning and execution is necessary in order that the maximum benefit of the latest technologies used in Information and Communication Technology is made available the students. Teachers: Computer Aided Teaching is a very important part of Learning today. Using the latest ICT tools and software allows students a practical way to gain knowledge.
Q. 6	Explain the scope of ICT in education. Education is an ongoing process and is not confined to schools universities and other traditional centers of education. ICT expands educational opportunities and promotes educational changes in the following ways. The WWW is a vast resource for knowledge for students and teachers. Anybody with access to the internet can search for information on a variety of topics. Open Universities, Distance Education and Online Education opportunities mean that even those who are employed can still pursue studies at a place and time of their convenience. Television is a great tool for communicating knowledge to students by showing difficult experiments, farmers by showing advanced agricultural techniques and also medical professionals can benefit by showing advanced surgical procedures on Television. Books, reference material and also tests can be made available on CDs, DVDs and other digital media for use of students from KG to PG (Postgraduate) level. Tests can be conducted Online thus reducing the need for trained examiners, invigilators, moderators and also minimizes the possibility of human errors.
Q. 7	Explain Knowledge society for ICT, education and development. (Give definition of Knowledge Society from Q. 4 above) Education is very important in a Knowledge Society. Education is the source of basic skills. It is the foundation for development of new knowledge and innovations. It also helps to promote socio-economic development. Education thus stimulates development, economic growth and prosperity.
Q. 8	What are challenging skill requirements due to ICT? Widespread computerization and Globalization have created new jobs for which new skills need to be developed. As Knowledge societies grow, the work force needs to be skilled in information and communication techniques. The skills that need to be developed can be broadly classified as Basic Skills and Advanced skills. The Basic Skills include knowing how to read and write clearly and also mathematical ability. The use of computers involves the use of abstract models to carry out the job efficiently. The Advanced skills include expert thinking and the ability to solve problems which cannot be solved using explicit rules based solutions. Complex Communication skills involve social interactions and the ability to make effective verbal and written arguments.
Q. 9	Explain transformative impact of ICT in education. Using ICT, education can be made available to students at any place or time. This has brought about a change in the traditional system of education. With classrooms getting overcrowded, schools are adopting a shift system. This allows children to spend some time in a traditional classroom and at other times may be required to watch educational programs or complete online lessons. ICT allows small rural or urban schools to offer courses that would usually require specialized teachers. This is especially true in the case of Mathematics, Science or learning of foreign languages. The use of Radio, Television and other multimedia programs allows sharing of resources between schools. All schools need not have full time teachers for all subjects. ICT techniques allows retired or part-time teachers who are experts in their chosen fields to teach online courses to students in distant areas.
	George Ferrao