What is ICT?

ICT is the abbreviation of Information and Communication Technology. ICT is defined as a dependent connection between informatics and communication systems, by which knowledge is acquired through the conceptual learning of these systems. In other words, ICT is a broad set of technology tools used to produce, amend, store, convey and share diverse information. 

 The teaching and learning process through ICT

Teaching and learning in traditional and distance education institutions are directly impacted by ICT through its dynamic procedures, interaction, motivation and engagement of students in the learning process. Therefore, ICT in education allows schools to improve their teaching methods, communicate with other educational institutions through electronic mail (e-mail) correspondences, and use social networks for purposeful matters. It also contributes to multicultural collaborations between students and teachers. And, most importantly, it promotes the progress and improvement of a given country’s national education system. 

Importance of ICT in Education

Following the above thinking, there are three main reasons why ICT has an essential role in education: 

1. It functions as a tool for surpassing educational difficulties in teaching and learning.
2. It underpins change.
3. It functions as an essential tool for the economic development. That is, as a tool for surpassing difficulties in teaching and learning, it promotes efficient and dynamic teaching and learning processes and allows students to collect data from different sources. 
4. Moreover, it improves teaching methods and learning strategies as an influence for change. Furthermore, as an essential tool for economic development, it plays a fundamental role in the professional and economic development framework.  

Pros and Cons of ICT in Education

Although ICT enables the establishment of a comprehensive portion of Information Technology Officers, such as Engineers, scientists, technicians and software developers, amongst others, there are some cons attached to it: 

1.Teachers are mainly required to be trained in the field of ICT to become highly qualified and experienced to effectively cater for the student’s needs and contribute to the development of quality teaching and learning, at all levels.  

2. Effective implementation of ICT in education may take time in developing countries due to several challenges and constraints at different levels. These challenges or limitations usually undermine the progress of ICT implementation towards the continuous advancement of the education system. 

3. It should be noted that, in developing countries, barriers to education may vary from place to place. These barriers can be described as a lack of infrastructure or resources (classrooms, computers, mobile devices, internet access, virtual learning environment, etc.), learning constraints (unfamiliarity with information technology tools, technophobia, amongst others).

4. Lastly, the effective implementation and use of ICT in schools, particularly in public ones, is usually unsuccessful due to a lack of conditions to afford ICT equipment and build an ICT structure capable of bridging the teaching and learning gaps without excessive work hours or school hours.

Conclusion

In summary, ICT in education is pertinent because it contributes to improving the teaching and learning process. Still, it requires particular intervention and financial investment from stakeholders and key players in the education sector. ICT portrays a one-size-fits-all dimension by assisting both students with and without disabilities, that is to say, regardless of their educational needs.