Lesson 9: Computers as Information and Communication and Technology

Computers as Information and Communication and Technology

         The advent of computer is recognized as the third revolution in education. Through computer technology, educators saw the amplification of learning along computer literacy. Computer assisted instruction was introduced using the principle of individualized learning through a positive climate that includes realism and appeal with drill exercises that uses color, music and animation. The evolving pace of innovation in today’s Information Age is so dynamic that within the first decade of the 21^st century, computer technology in education has matured to transform into an educative information and communication technology in education.

Figure 1. Uses of Computer as ICT in Education

THE PERSONAL COMPUTER (PC) AS ICT

            Instructional media consist of audio-visual aids that served to enhance and enrich the teaching-learning process. The educational communication media comprise the media of communication to audiences including learners using the print, film, radio, and television or satellite means of communication.

            Close to the 21^st century, however, such a distinction merged owing to the advent of microprocessor, also known as the personal computer. Here is a list of some programs normally installed in an ordinary modern PC:

Ø  Microsoft office – program for composing text, graphics photos into letters, articles, reports, etc.

Ø  PowerPoint – for preparing lecture presentations.

Ø  Excel – for spreadsheets and similar graphic sheets.

Ø  Internet Explorer – access to the internet.

Ø  Yahoo or Google – Websites: e-mail, chatrooms, Blog sites, news service, educational software, etc.

Ø  Adobe reader – graphs/ photo composition editing.

Ø  MSN – Mail/ chat messaging.

Ø  Windows Media Player – editing film/video.

Ø  GameHouse – Video Games.

           

            As I can recall, computer softwares such as Google have been a great aid on online surfing, PowerPoint has aided me through my reports and presentations, GameHouse provided fun and leisure, Encarta provides offline reliable sources of information, Microsoft office Word assisted in our written reports and assignments, and many more to mention.

            The use of computers has been undeniably efficient and productive to the human race. It is not just the humans which have been evolving, so as the computers have been evolving. The information age was highly revolutionized by Information and Communication Technology which have been evident to everyone.

            The application of computers constantly broadens driven by the technological advancements; however we should not be totally dependent on it because it has its limitations also. We should use the computers in a productive way to improve our way of living and not to destroy one another.