19 Different ICT Tools

P.G. Padma Gowri

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Introduction:

 

 

“ICT” is the Information and Communication Technologies. Information and communication technology (ICT) refers to the technology used to handle telecommunications, broadcast media, intelligent building management systems, audiovisual processing and transmission systems, and network-based control and monitoring functions.

 

ICT ‘s stand for information and communication technology used for the purpose of, “Diverse set of technological tools and resources used to communicate, and to create, disseminate, store, and manage information”. “ICT in Education” means “Teaching and Learning with ICT”.

 

Objectives:

  • To know various ICT Teaching/Learning Tools.
  • To understand ICT tools used to improve teaching and learning situations
  • To identify Benefits of Utilizing ICT In Education
  • To know about multimedia and Government Supporting Scheme For ICT In Education.

ICT tools in education:

 

There are many ICT tools that is useful for education. Classification of ICT tools is based on its use and function.

 

Teaching/Learning Tools

 

1. Teaching:

 

1.  Interactive whiteboard

 

An interactive whiteboard (IWB) is a large interactive display in the form factor of a whiteboard. It can either be a standalone touch screen computer used independently to perform tasks and operations, or a connectable apparatus used as a touchpad to control computers from a projector. They are used in a variety of settings, including classrooms at all levels of education, in corporate board rooms and work groups, in training rooms for professional sports coaching, in broadcasting studios, and others.

 

2. OHP

 

An overhead projector is a variant of slide projector that is used to display images to an audience. An overhead projector works on the same principle as, it focusing lens projects light from an illuminated slide onto a projection screen where a real image is formed.

3. Computer-Internet

 

The Internet is not synonymous with World Wide Web. The Internet is a massive network of networks, a networking infrastructure. It connects millions of computers together globally, forming a network in which any computer can communicate with any other computer as long as they are both connected to the Internet.

 

4. Projector

 

A projector is an output device that can take images generated by a computer or Blue-ray player and reproduce them onto a screen, wall, or other surface. Typically, the surface projected onto is large, flat, and lightly colour. For example, you could use a projector to show a presentation on a large screen so that everyone in the room can see it. Projectors can produce either still (slides) or moving images (videos).

 

 

Presentation Tools

 

1.      Microsoft Office PowerPoint

 

2.   Prezi : Prezi is a cloud-based presentation software that opens up a new world between whiteboards and slides.

1.  Learning:

1.  Educational games:

1. Flash Games

 

Flash games—games created with or for the Adobe Flash runtimes—are everywhere There are dozens of game genres to choose from, including action, adventure, casino, puzzle, and role-playing, among others.

 

Gadgets:

 

1.E-reader (Kindll etc)

 

It is a handheld device on which electronic versions of books, newspapers, magazines, etc. can be read.

 

2. I-products (Iphone, Ipod, Ipad)

 

Steve Jobs first introduced the iMac in 1998, he proclaimed that the i stood for Internet.

 

3. Androd mobile

 

Android is a mobile operating system which is found on a variety of modern devices, the most popular being smart phones

 

4. Computers:

 

An electronic device that stores and manipulates information

 

5. Laptop

 

Lap top is an computer that is portable and suitable for use while travelling.

 

6.  Personal Digital Assistants:

 

Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) (also known as Handheld Devices) PDAs and Pocket PCs allow input of data via a mini keyboard or equivalent, they usually include a calendar, organiser functions, basic software functions such as word processing, email,

 

6.  MP3 Players:

 

An MP3 player is a machine on which you can play music downloaded from the Internet.

 

7. USB memory stick:

 

A USB flash drive is a device used for data storage that includes a flash memory and an integrated Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. Most USB flash drives are removable and rewritable.

 

8. Storage devices:

 

A storage device is any computing hardware that is used for storing, porting and extracting data files and objects. It can hold and store information both temporarily and permanently, and can be internal or external to a computer, server or any similar computing device.

 

Classification of ICT Tools:

 

Information and Communication Technology consists of various tools and systems that can be exploited by capable and creative teachers to improve teaching and learning situations classification of ICT tools as:

 

1) .Informative tools – Internet, Network Drive, Internet systems, Homepage, etc.

2) Resignation devices-CD-ROM, ETC.

3) Constructive tools-MS Word, PowerPoint, FrontPage, Adobe Photoshop, Lego Mind storm , etc.

4)  Communicative tools-e-mail, SMS, etc.

5)  Collaborative tools-discussion boards, etc. Forum

 

The five categories of ICT tools listed above are discussed in more detail under the following headings.

 

INFORMATIVE TOOLS

 

Informative tools are the applications that provide large amounts of information in various formats such as text, graphics, sound, or video .Informative tool’s used as a passive repository of information. Example information resources are existing multimedia encyclopaedia of the Internet. The Internet is a huge electronic data base, and researchers consider the Internet as the most significant ICT tools in e-learning environments. Students consider the Internet as a virtual textbook, reference library, virtual tutor; learn to study shortcuts and virtual study groups.

 

SITUATING TOOLS

 

Situating tool is a system that lay the students in the environment where it involve a context and the occurrence of a situation. Students become more effective when it is associated by computer as the teacher’s tool because it makes the classroom atmosphere more conductive to learning due to its capabilities of being a tutor.

 

Example simulation, virtual reality and multi-user domain .Situating tools software tools such as CD-ROM.CD-ROM offers hypermedia application which gives better opportunities for teacher to enhance learning environment .These applications covers more than one of the following media such as text, audio, graphic images(still images), animation and video clips.

 

A multimedia presentation topic will help students to conceptualize the ideas of real world by integrating the theories in the practical application of real world situations.

 

CONSTRUCTIVE TOOLS:

 

Constructive tool is a general purpose tool that can be used to manipulate information, construct their own knowledge or visualise students understanding. Construction tools such as Microsoft World or Power Point has a strong impact in educational environment. Therefore, teachers can use the software to promote writing in the curriculum. Power Point is a presentation graphics program packaged as part of Microsoft Office for Windows.

 

It is advantageous in the context of increase creativity among students .while word processing program is the most common computer applications used ,as a spreadsheet like Excel is just as important in teaching and learning students will be exposed to learning design and statistical data using the Excel program that can be automated through the formula .

 

COMMUNICATIVE TOOLS:

 

Communicative tools are system that easy communication between teachers and students or between students outside the physical barrier classroom. It is including e-mail, electronic bulletin boards, chat, teleconference and electronic white board Synchronous communication tool such as chat or video conference enable real time communication. E-mail is the most commonly used on the internet .It is a primarily text-based system and simple communication tool for teachers and students that allows students to dominate class beyond physical barrier.

 

COLLBORATIVE TOOL:

 

Collaborative tools of ICT is commonly focus on real time projects. The developments of new collaborative tools make online collaborative projects draw a realistic option for a distributed group work. Internet can be used for many collaborative activities such as meetings ,discussion are taking place ,working in the document ,information dissemination ,and other tasks, Interactive electronic whiteboard is not just used as tool for meeting and development ,but recently became the most popular tool among teachers .

 

This tool is increasingly popular with teachers, when used in connection with a computer and a video projector that produces interactive learning community.

 

Other collaborative tools, such as E-mail messaging, Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) and General Packet Radio Services(GPRS) embedded in micro-browser equipped mobile phones or GPRS enabled handled computers are other ICT tools that can link students in different geographic locations exceeding the boundaries of class.

 

The development of mobile phones and PDA allows learners to exchange information in a short time a “learning is no longer seen as a solitary activity, but is described as taking place through social interaction with peers, mentors and experts”

 

Benefits of Utilizing ICT in Education

 

The ICT devices in the educational environment have the following benefits:

  • Increase in pupil’s motivation, enthusiasm and confidence
  • Positive association with attainment
  • Learning possibilities expanded via collaboration, interaction and communication in the target language
  • Potential for differentiation according to individual pupil need
  • It facilitates to get latest information for user by at a click of a mouse.

 

ICT tools can perform four essential functions as follows:

 

The speed and automatic functions of ICT allow a teacher to demonstrate, explore and clarify aspects of the teaching method which enable the students learn more effectively;

 

The capacity and coverage of ICT assist the teachers and pupils easily access to for historical event or current formation

 

The interactive way in which information is stored, processed and presented can enable teachers and students to explore the model, to communicate effectively with others and present information effectively to different audiences.

 

ICT –supported education to enhance the success of the ongoing knowledge and skills that will be give the students continuous learning if properly designed and implemented.

   New way of teaching and learning is supported by constructivist learning theory and paradigm shift from teacher-cantered pedagogy of memorization and rote-learning to focus on students cantered.

 

Utilization of ICT Tools among Teachers:

 

The positive impact of implementation of ICT in both teachers and learners result will create on the changes and improvements in teaching and learning theories. Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL), in particular, and the use of web for teaching and learning (WBT) in a second place shape the two most recurrent and central research streamlines of present times.

 

Therefore, ICT can contribute to education key skills listening, speaking, reading and writing through various ways:

 

Digital sources as the internet, CD-ROM, database vocabulary and video clips that provide access to various kinds of information and learning opportunities. Students can work at their own pace as the digital resources can be slowed down and played over and over again as the needs of individuals. Communication with schools abroad through video conferences and e-mail discussion forum facilitate cultural awareness.

 

The teacher has to cope with more complex situations in which students are more heterogeneous but more familiar with the different communication means.It creates the need of a permanent lifelong learning and a constant updating of knowledge.

 

Cabero (1998) states that “the training plans that have been developed with a deep technical and esthetical background have not been useful to help teachers to integrate in the curriculum the didactic instruments and media and reveals them as serious problems which prevent a successful integration of ICT into teaching and learning processes.

 

The lack of specific training on ICT addressed to teachers has obviously been the subject object of many comments by numerous authors. “Without training in the field of ICT, the institution won’t be able to meet the challenge that information society is calling for.

 

Obstacles & challenges using ICT:

 

ICTs prove expanding the access and strengthen the relevance of education system to the increasingly digital workplace, and raise educational quality by, among others, helping make teaching and learning into an engaging , active process connected to real life.

 

However, the effective integration and utilization of ICTs into the education system is a complex process involving various areas of the curriculum not only IT , but also pedagogy , institutional readiness, teachers competencies , and long-term financing , among others the main challenge factor affecting technology and expertise is often identified as key factors associated with their use of technology.

 

MULTIMEDIA:

 

Multimedia means “an individual or a small group using a computer to interact with information that is represented in several media, by repeatedly selecting what to see and hear next”. Using multimedia in education results in the increasing productivity and retention rates, because people remember 20% of what they see, 40% of what they see and hear, but about 75% of what they see and hear and do simultaneously.

 

Using multimedia tools we can create a learning environment, where the communication of the Information can be done in a more effective manner and it can be effective instructional medium for delivering information. With multimedia technologies students create multimedia applications as part of their required project. This makes them active in developing their own learning process, instead of just being passive learners of the educational content.

 

 

GOVERNMENT SUPPORTING SCHEME FOR ICT IN EDUCATION

 

Realising the importance of information and communication technology (ICT) the ministry of human resource development as per the mission document, ICT is the tool in education available to enhance the current enrolment rate in higher education, at present 15 percent to 30 percent by the end of the 11th plan period.

 

The ministry also launched a web portal named “SAKSHAT” a ‘one stop education portal’. The high quality e-content once developed will be uploaded on SAKSHAT in all disciplines and subjects. Several NITs are participating in this curriculum development project.

 

The case in point is the project, ”Developing suitable pedagogical methods for various classes ,intellectual calibres and research in e-learning”, anchored by IIT kharagpur. Faculties from all the IITs and several NITs are participating in this curriculum development project.

 

The National Mission on education through information and communication technology (ICT) has, under its aegis, created virtual labs, open source and access tools, virtual labs ,open source and access tools ,virtual conference tools ,talk to teacher programs ,a non –invasive blood Glucometer and also for simulated lab experiments, a Dielectric frequency shift application development of resonator for low cost oscillators.

 

The national mission on education through information and communication technology (ICT) has been envisaged as a centrally sponsored scheme to leverage the potential of ICT ,in providing high quality personalized and interactive knowledge modules over the internet/intranet for all the learners in higher Education Institutions in any time any where mode.

 

The mission would also have a component of teacher empowerment through proper training and digital literacy of teachers to be able to use the e-contents .Renowned institutions would anchor various activities in their areas of excellence. The mission would seek to enhance the standards of education in government as well as in private collages.

 

Enlistment of support and cooperation of states /union territories, Institutions and individual experts would be an integral part of the mission. National Programme Of Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) phase II and III will be part of the content generation activity.

 

Conclusion:

 

Innovative teaching, multimedia in education Multimedia is the combination of various digital media type (e.g. images, sound, video, text) they compile an integrated multi-sensory interactive application to present the information to an audience. The ICT technology changes – rapidly – and newer , more cost effective and more powerful technologies at the same time, evidence shows that, once installed in Educational Institutions, ICTs continue to be used for the life of the function cost effective and powerful technology.

you can view video on Different ICT Tools

Web links:

 

  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_and_communications_technologymhrd.gov.in › School Education
  • https://www.techopedia.com/…/information-and-communications-technology-ict ictschools.gov.in/Policy/information-and-communication-technology-school-education
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_and_communications_technology