ICT IN EDUCATION
A CURRICULUM AND PROGRAMME OF TEACHER DEVELOPMENT
pedagogy. These philosophies will necessarily characterize the ways in which
ICT is incorporated into a school. A setting that is dominated by the teacher
as the main provider of subject content is adopting a teacher-centred philosophy.
The teacher controls the use of ICT in such a setting as well. A learnercentred
philosophy, by contrast, describes a setting where content comes from
a variety of resources, and where projects are chosen and designed by the students.
ICT tools and resources are selected by students in ways that match the
aims of a project best. These contrasting approaches to pedagogy are sometimes
referred to as instructivist and constructivist respectively.
Development plans and policies
How a school's vision and teaching philosophies are carried out is translated
into development plans and policies. In the detailed steps of such plans
and policies, goals and objectives are further defined providing interim and
long-term targets. Policies are set, a budget is allocated, facilities are determined,
roles are defined, tasks are delegated, and an evaluation plan is created
to define the direction ICT development will take.
Facilities and resources
The learning environment in which ICT is used requires certain facilities and
resources. Facilities include basic infrastructure such as electrical wiring,
Internet access, lighting, air-conditioning, and space. Decisions on inclusion or
lack of ergonomic design and choice of furniture impact not only on use of ICT,
but also on the health and well being of users. Resources include various types
of technological devices from computers with peripherals, video equipment, and
specialized tools like digital microscopes. Further resources include various
types of software, as well as traditional tools like books, videos, and audiotapes.
Understanding the curriculum
An understanding of the curriculum affects the progression of ICT in the
curriculum in following various stages of development. First, is an awareness
stage in which students become ICT literate with regard to what technology
is available and how it might be used. Second, as students learn
basic skills, they begin to apply various ICT tools to their regular learning
assignments and projects. Third, as students become more capable and
confident with ICT, they begin to integrate and overlap both subject areas
and tools. Last, is the applied use of ICT in which students are now enabled
to address larger, more complex, real-world professional issues.