For ICT

Advantages to using ICT

To present ICT tools to your students, you have to know them. Having demanding student is a good way of keeping your own knowledge accurate and current, and following ICT developments will allow you to sharpen your general information technology skills. By preparing ICT-enhanced classes, you get to approach your subject in a different way, and get to see what it is like to be learning again - giving you a fresh perspective. While it is often true your pupils will be able to teach you a few things where computers are concerned, by engaging with them you’ll learn to use tools and technologies they themselves approve of and value.

Start by selecting a form of communication like email, instant messaging, voice chat or even videoconferencing. Then think of a way that simple ICT could help your project. Maybe your pupils can make a video? Or perhaps take pictures and upload them to the internet? in future projects, work your way up to creating web pages or collaboratively writing wikis. There is no pressure and no penalty in use of technologies.

There are many specific advantages to using ICT in educational projects, the most important of which are:

ICT enables you to present content that would otherwise be unavailable in the traditional classroom

You can do a lot more with today's ICT than just show static information. You can show your pupils how different types of media can be combined to convey a message in a richer and more complete way. Mathematics and physics can be shown in a more practical light when pupils have to construct virtual bridges and towers. You can even giving your pupils a unique opportunity to chat with topic experts and people, who apply their knowledge in a real-life context.

Your pupils will learn and practice important information skills while working on the project

Many pupils have access to Internet-connected computers at home, but some do not. You can help both the former and the latter by having in-class exercises focusing on information gathering and analysis. You can show different ways of presenting data and information, help pupils arrange and even construct their own virtual workspaces. Perfecting these skills will not only help improve the pupils' concentration and teach them how to learn efficiently, but will also come in handy later on in life.

You can help make learning a fun and exciting activity by appealing to your pupils' creativity

Interactive programs and quizzes are a good way of utilising ICT in education, but they are only the tip of the iceberg. Engaging your pupils in making something is another way of weaving ICT into your curriculum. Making presentations, creating web pages, making and editing videos, writing wikis, and even managing their own portal or forum all enable your pupils to show their creative side and get them thinking. Knowledge and skills obtained in this way will be retained for a longer period of time due to the pupils' direct involvement in the creation process.

Pupils have contact with modern technology and knowledge, aiding their development

Contrary to popular belief, not every child born today is proficient with computers. You can help guide your pupils and help them develop good computer use habits as well as teach them the curriculum. Showing them how they can find reliable, up-to-date information on a given subject will help them when they try to search for knowledge on their own. Exposing them to various forms of communication and collaboration during class will give them a larger palette of tools when exchanging their thoughts and ideas with others. By enabling your pupils in this way, you help increase their chances for success in an increasingly information-dependent society.

ICT can help you keep your own knowledge and skills relevant by learning yourself