Why ICT

Advantages of  ICT integration in the classroom

Today’s learner is  more  likely to be already interested and engaged in using technology due to early exposure as compared to one of yester years. This presents many  opportunities for institutions and teachers to enhance the teaching and learning process through integrating some forms of technology in the classroom, making it  more effective and productive . Below are some of the top benefits of using ICT in the classroom.

Improves learner engagement

When technology is integrated into the learning process, learner's  interest is heightened and in turn their engagement in the subject matter is captured at a higher level hence improving expected outcomes .Integration of technology  during lessons offers varied opportunities  in making  learning more fun and enjoyable in terms of teaching same things in new ways. There is also is much fun when learners navigate the gadgets in carrying out specific tasks assigned to them during the lesson or even afterwards. For example, in an aviation class,learners take flight lessons through simulations, and the learner is totally engaged and the outcome is totally different from a theory class. Another one could be , taking students on virtual field trips in the comfort of their classroom, but transporting the mind of the learner to a completely new environment. Moreover, technology  encourages a more  interactive participation in the learning process which can be hard to achieve through a traditional classroom setting.

Improves knowledge retention

Due to heightened  interest in the students who are engaged  in things they are studying,there is a higher chance for better knowledge retention. The decentralized approach makes the learner want to know more even on their own  as the teacher is no longer the single source of knowledge. The “flipped approach” has an effect of increased retention of information by the learner who feel much more relaxed and in control of what is getting into their minds. As mentioned before, technology helps  encourage active participation in the classroom which also is a very important factor for increased knowledge retention. Various forms of technology could be used to experiment with and decide what works best for students in terms of retaining their knowledge.

Encourages personalized  learning

We all learn differently as we have different abilities. This is the same  with our learners even though they sit in the same classroom/grade. Technology provides great opportunities for making learning more effective for everyone in accordance to their ability and  different needs. For example, students may  learn at their own speed, review difficult concepts or skip ahead if they need to. What is more, technology  provides more opportunities for struggling or learners with certain  learning challenges. Access to the Internet  connectivity gives learners access to a broad range of resources presented in different ways, which the learner may use at their own pace depending on their abilities.

Enhances collaboration among learners

Learners have a huge platform to put into good use  collaboration skills by getting involved in different online activities with other learners from any part of the globe .For instance, working on different projects by collaborating with others on forums or by sharing documents on their virtual learning environments. This does not even require a physical classroom as learners are linked with others virtually/online. This encourages a wider approach and perspective towards learning as well as sharing of knowledge not dictated by the four walls of a classroom.

 Learning of useful life and soft  skills for the 21st century

Through integration of technology in the classroom, both teachers and learners  develop skills essential for the 21st century. This is not just the curriculum as set by the state apparatus, but learners   gain the skills they will need to be successful in the future. Modern learning is about collaborating with others, solving complex problems, critical thinking, developing different forms of communication and leadership skills, and improving motivation and productivity. What is more, technology could help develop many practical skills, including creating presentations, learning to differentiate reliable from unreliable sources  of information on the Internet, maintaining proper online etiquette, and writing emails. These are very important skills that can be developed in the classroom.

Benefits for teachers/educators

The internet is a rich garden full of  countless online resources. By making good use of  technology teachers may reap a lot of benefits towards improving the teaching and learning process as we know it. Teachers should purpose to use different educational apps or trusted online resources to enhance and improve on  the traditional ways of teaching and to keep students more engaged and arouse interest in all subject areas. Virtual lesson plans, grading software and online assessments are tools that are freely available and may  help teachers improve on what they already have. Moreover, having virtual learning environments in schools enhances collaboration and knowledge sharing between teachers.