ICT: Information and Communications Technology

ICT Definition and Scope

• ICT stands for Information and Communications Technology, encompassing various devices and services.
• Devices include radio, television, cell phones, computers, and satellite systems.
• Services associated with ICT include online learning.

ICT's Impact on Development

• Promoting ICT can lead to social, economic, and political development in countries.
• ICT can bridge the gap between those who have access to technology and those who don't.

Addressing the Digital Divide

• A challenge lies in creating greater access to information and communication in underserved populations.
• The United Nations promotes ICT to address this issue internationally.

ICT as Essential Infrastructure

• Historically, developing nations focused on providing basic infrastructure such as water supply, electricity, and roads.
• Today, ICT is considered an essential infrastructure too.

Kenya's ICT Development

• A few years ago, only a small fraction of Kenya's population had access to wireless networks.
• Today, cell phone usage exceeds 70 percent, with more cell phone users than adults in Kenya.
• ICT has enabled people to access banking services, pay bills, and send money to their families using their cell phones.

ICT in Education

• Introducing ICT in education requires setting up new curriculum and teaching practices
• Combining traditional classroom model with e-learning solutions is still a novelty in many parts of the world

Teacher's New Role

• Teachers need to adapt to their new role in ICT-based education
• Shift from "teacher-centered model" to "learner-centered model" where teachers become facilitators, mentors, and coaches

Student's New Role

• Students become information seekers, interpreters, and evaluators in ICT-based education
• Students are expected to communicate through multimedia
• Examples of multimedia communication include incorporating visuals, creating electronic multimedia presentations, and demonstrating understanding of concepts and skills through multimedia

ICT-Enhanced Learning

• ICT-enhanced learning is a new experience for both teachers and students
• Teachers become co-learners and discover new things along with their students

Access to Learning Materials

• The Internet provides access to a wealth of learning materials in almost every subject and in a variety of media
• Learning materials are accessible from anywhere at any time of the day and by everyone
• Examples of online courses include those from U.S. universities like MIT and Stanford, available for free

Inclusive Education

• ICT-based education provides immediate access to universal education for groups traditionally excluded due to cultural or social reasons

This quiz covers the basics of ICT, its impact on social, economic, and political development, and the challenges of increasing access to information and communication in underserved populations.