What is ICT in education?

What is the meaning of ICT in education?

But, before it let's clarify the meaning of ICT...

     ICT stands for information and communications technologies. ICT is an umbrella term that includes any communication device or application, encompassing: radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and so on, as well as the various services and applications associated with them, such as videoconferencing and distance learning. ICTs are often spoken of in a particular context, such as ICTs in education, health care, or libraries. The term is somewhat more common outside of the United States. 
So now, we're going to talk about the use ICT in education...

ICT in education 

In recent years there has been a groundswell of interest in how computers and the Internet can best be harnessed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of education at all levels and in both formal and non-formal settings.
A small percentage of schools in some countries achieved high levels of effective use of ICT to support and change the teaching and learning process in many subject areas.

Advantages of using ICT in education :
 A study by Blanskat, Blamire and Kefala (2006) shows that :

1.  ICT has positive impact on students' performances in primary schools particularly in English language and less in science.
2. Schools with higher level of e-maturity show a rapid increase in performances in scores compared to those with lower level. 
3. Schools with sufficient ICT resources achieved better results than those that are not well-equipped. 
4. Pupils are more motivated when computers and Internet are being used in class. 

Syed Noor-UI-Amin from University of Kahmir wrote a paper on effective use of ICT for education and learning, to put it simply, he stated in his paper that :

1.  ICT encahnces teaching & learning process.
2. ICT enhances the quality & accessibility of education.
3. ICT enhances learning environment.
4. ICT enhances learning motivation.
5. ICT enhances scholastic performance.

How can ICT help expand access to education?

ICT has a huge potential to facilitate the learning opportunities, both formal and non-formal education, and nowadays it is also scattered to the rural population, indeed some of traditional group prohibiting for the education due to cultural or social reasons such as ethnic minorities, girls, the disabled, as well as those who can't enroll in college caused of cost or time.  

• Anytime and anywhere, one characteristic of ICTs is their ability to transcend space and time. ICT enables asynchronous learning, or learning characterized by a time lag between the delivery instructions and acceptance by learners. For example, online course materials are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and it means every time. ICT based on education ( for example, education programs on radio or television ) also dispenses with the need for all learners even without face-to-face can be done by using teleconference that allows instruction to be received simultaneously by all of learners who are scattered throughout any state.
• Teachers and students do not rely any longer to the printed books and any other physical media in the library which available on a limited amount for their educational needs. With Internet, the wealth learning materials in almost every subjects and in every medium, can be accessed from anytime of the day and with unlimited number of people.
• An accessible product or service is one that can be used by all of its intended users, taking into account their differing capabilities. Accessible ICTs have the potential to provide persons with disabilities unprecedented levels of access to education, skills training and employment, as well as the opportunity to participate in the economic, cultural and social life of their community