Learning how to use ICT tools
Following on from the discovery of ICT tools comes the stage of learning how to use ICT tools, and beginning to make use of them in different disciplines (Stage B in Figure 2.2). This stage involves the use of general or particular applications of ICT, and is linked with the applying approach in ICT development.
Understanding how and when to use ICT tools
The next stage (Stage C in Figure 2.2) is understanding how and when to use ICT tools to achieve a particular purpose, such as in completing a given project. This stage implies the ability to recognize situations where ICT will be helpful, choosing the most appropriate tools for a particular task, and using these tools in combination to solve real problems. This stage is linked with the infusing and transforming approaches in ICT development.
Specializing in the use of ICT tools
The fourth and last stage (Stage D in Figure 2.2) involves specializing in the use of ICT tools such as occurs when one enters more deeply into the science that creates and supports ICT. In this stage students study ICT as a subject to become specialists. Such study concerns vocational or professional education rather than general education and is quite different from previous stages involving the use of ICT tools.
Figure 2.2 Model of stages of teaching and learning with and through ICT
Discovering A ICT tools
Learning how B to use ICT tools
Understanding how and when C
to use ICT tools to achieve particular purposes
Specializing in D the use of ICT tools