Information Communication Technology

ICT is considered to be a driving force. (Sol, 2001). One of the most important driving forces promoting economic growth in the economy is the Information and communication technology (ICT).  However, there is less of a consensus among economists on whether the impact of ICT also stems from higher total factor productivity (TFP) growth and improved efficiency of production (due to a better educated population). Many countries have invested heavily in ICT during the last two decade. (Aristovnik, 2012)

The ICT impact on the learning process seems to be more important and requires more than looking only to curricula. Improved student outcomes are observed, with regard to: subject knowledge; motivation, self-esteem; ICT skills; enjoying learning; collaborative skills; information handling skills; meta-cognitive skills, etc. (Youssef, 2008)

The ICTs role and potential for in the education sector is not an issue separate from educational reform efforts, but rather inextricably intertwined.  ICTs are important tools to meet Millennium Development Goals of access to and quality improvements of educational programming for all children. (Nitika Tolani-Brown, 2009)

In general, there are four types of applications of ICT. (Kuzma, 2005)

·         With the first approach, ICT is used to improve the delivery of and access to education. This approach can improve education on the margin by increasing the efficiency by which instruction is distributed but it need not involve fundamental change.

·         In the second approach, ICT is the focus of learning. By learning ICT skills, students become better prepared for work that increasingly involves the use of ICT.

·         The remaining two approaches parallel the capacity development and knowledge creation approaches discussed in the last section. ICT can be used to improve student understanding, increase the quality of education, and thereby increase the impact of education on the economy. With the fourth approach, knowledge creation, technology, technological innovativeness, and knowledge sharing can contribute to the transformation of the education system and to sustained economic growth and social development.

References

Aristovnik, A. (2012). The Imoact ofICT on Educational Performance and its Efficiency in Selected EU and OECP Countries: A Non-Parametic Analysis. The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, 144-152.

Kuzma, R. B. (2005). National Policies that Connect ICT-Based Education Reform to Economic and Social Development. An Interdisciplinary Journal on Humans in ICT Environments , 117-156.

Nitika Tolani-Brown, P. M. (2009). An Analysis of the Research and Impact of ICT in Education in Developing Country Contexts . Journal of Education for International Development, 1-12.

Sol, M. d. (2001). The Impac of Information and Communication on Technology on Inter organizational Coordination. Special Series on Information Exchange in Electric Markets, 129-139.

Youssef, A. B. (2008). The Impact of ICT on Student Performance in Higher Education: Direct Effects, Indirect Effects and Organisational Change. Revista de Universidad y Sociedad de Conocimiento, 45-57.