What is ICT?
ICT Is the acronym
for Information and Communication Technology, according to the webpage
TechTerms.com, it “refers to technologies that provide access to information
through telecommunications (…). (It) focuses primarily on communication
technologies. This includes the Internet, wireless networks, cell phones, and
other communication mediums.”
People from all
over the world use modern communicational technologies daily since all types of
works and any professional field can take advantage of it. Education is also
changing faster because of the new technology influence.
In order to
understand the impact that ICTs has had in the learning process, is important
to know the following basic concepts of ICT used in education.
E learning:
refers to the use of electronic, information and communication technologies in
education. Technology enriches the learning environment providing information
and resources to find, understand and create knowledge.
E learning
implies a broad spectrum, from using a C.D-rom for a listening comprehension
exercise to a complete online course; from an audio recording to webinars. The
main characteristic is the use of technology in the learning process.
Regarding the
use of technology on English Learning Teaching (ESL), I have experienced:
- Listening comprehension exercises using a CD.
- Using of intelligent boards.
- Interactive grammar exercises on the Web.
- Creating Sites about English and sharing information through it.
- Using Power Point Presentations on the classroom
- Using email as a communication tool with my students.
Distance
Education: it refers to educational process through distances, started in the 19th century with correspondence courses by mail.
It requires
huge amount of compromise and motivation from students and teachers. It can be
done using digital technology or not, or mixing new technology with traditional
educational ways, e.g. online sessions in adition to face to face classes.
Nowadays, the distance learning supply and demand has been increasing, but is important to consider that not all offers are legitimate, frauds are
frequent, especially in superior education.
Online or
virtual education: represents a whole new challenge for the face to face traditional
class paradigm. Virtual education allows taking courses, semester and even
entire careers without actually going to a physical setting. Nowadays, first
world universities are facing the challenge of mixing traditional classes with
virtual education. From this necessity, appeared Blended courses as an excellent alternative that allows maintaining personal human contact, the guidance of teachers, colleages and friends, plus
benefits represented by the fast changing digital technology.
This is my
first experience in a Blended course, taking an ICT course from my Master
program. It has been challenging, because I used to be digital illiterate.
However, I perceive that, actually, I’m learning much faster than I had
thought. Is rewarding being aware of how
fast I can improve by using technology.
On the other
hand, Mobile learning is based primarily is sharing and creating information
using any type of mobile device (e.g. cell phones, smart phones, iphone, etc.). New generations, and specially teenagers, are using mobile learning daily:
it could be by sharing a video about a class, or receiving an email on their
smart phones about homework.
Definitely,
education is changing faster than ever thanks to technology, and it does bring
great advantage and convenience. However, we should think about the
consequences for our mental and physical health. Even though I appreciate the
benefits of technology, I'm afraid we might be overusing these recourses. As a
consequence, we are putting behind real human contact. I’m concern about the
amount of time that we are spending in front of computers or any other type of
digital device. From my personal experience, when I’m working (or
“distracting”) in front of my computer, I completely lose the awareness of
time, and I can spend an entire night working, just to realize at one moment
that the sun has risen, it is 6:00 am, and I haven't had any rest.
Technology has
invaded our life too much!!! Of course, it is an excellent source of
information and education, but on the other hand we must learn how to use it in
a healthy and proper way.
A very relevant article, Patricia. I have always held the idea that there should be a balance in all of your daily routines. The excessive use of digital technology will reduce communication among people. It's up to us to train ourselves and to our children over an adequate use of the Web and smart phones and other digital devices. There is not a better way to address to someone except for looking at his or her eyes when talking about something.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree Ricardo! Thanks you very much for visiting my Blog and for your feedback! You are welcome any time =)
DeleteI really like this post Patricia. As you say, it's very important for us to be able to use these new technologies and take the best out of them and, as you say, there must be a balance because there are aspects such as mental and physical health to consider in order to use technology wisely. Now, we have to admit that technology is up to "invade" in our lives more and more and it'll probably be unstoppable, it's something we have to deal with, accept and embrace. On the other hand, when it comes to communication's quality, it is true that face-to-face communication has been reduced, but other ways of communication have also emerged due to social networks and stuff, so whether communication is now 'reduced' that's something very debatible and interesting for further and deeper discussion and research. To sum up, great post! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks you very much Diana, I really appreciate your feedback, It is very important for me! =)
DeleteSincerely!
Wonderful Patricia. I do agree with you that education is changing faster than ever due to technology, and I also second what you infer about the invasion of this technology in our lives. I do think there must be some kind of balance because the overuse of these gadgets could have some negative consequences. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThanks you very much Terry for visiting my Blog and all your support! =)
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