What are the Key Advantages of ICT in Education?

Ferris Bueller had it right: life moves pretty fast! Nowhere is that sentiment more accurate than in the world of technology. 

While the wise-cracking truant might have been blown away by the processing power of an 1980s Sinclair ZX80, here in 2021, the capabilities of modern computing are almost the stuff of science-fiction. 

In a digital age dominated by apps, multimedia tools and smart devices, there’s no escaping the fact that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become an integral part of our lives..and it’s here to stay.

For students, setting out on their educational journey, ICT can be a fundamental component of the learning experience. With the effective use of technology in classrooms, allied with more conventional teaching processes, there’s no limit to the positive development of a young mind—whether that’s in the guises of academic achievement and improved learning outcomes, enhanced creative thinking, or the development of skills that will prove vital in later life.

Let’s take a look at some of the numerous benefits that can be reaped from the successful application of ICT in an education environment.

1. Enhances interaction and increases student engagement

When integrated effectively into a classroom environment, there’s no question that technology can increase student engagement and encourage interaction. Put simply, teachers are able to present long-established ideas in new and innovative ways. Students are much more likely to engage with the history of Ancient Egypt, for example, if they can take a virtual field trip to Luxor or have access to interactive online resources on Xerxes the Great. 

This is a generation that is entirely comfortable navigating smart technology, as they use it frequently in their day-to-day lives—so why not harness that familiarity and use it in a learning environment?

2. Learning is accessible any time, any place

The uber-connectivity of smart devices and the emergence of cloud technology means that students have access to their educational ICT tools wherever and whenever they like. Academic development doesn’t have to stop in the classroom and collaborative projects can be worked on in real-time through applications and virtual student dashboards.

There’s also a multitude of educational apps available for students to better utilize their downtime. By striking the perfect balance between fun and learning,students can experience the enjoyment of using a tablet or mobile device while simultaneously developing and mastering new skills. With ICT and a stable internet connection, there’s no limit or restriction on a child’s capacity to learn.

3. Offers new learning techniques as classroom tools are constantly evolving

Technology is never one to stand still; it’s in a constant state of advancement and evolution - much like the process of teaching and learning! Developers are forever releasing apps and tweaking software to improve the digital learning experience in classrooms —which can only benefit both students and teachers. Meanwhile, multinational technology firms like Google, Microsoft and Apple are not just focusing on developing apps: but entire learning environments.

Just as classrooms of the 1990s would look completely different to a time-travelling student from the modern day; so too will future learning spaces be almost unrecognizable—such is the speed at which technology evolves. The task for educators is to keep up with these ever-developing trends and look for new opportunities to enrich the classroom experience through ICT.

4. Decreases teacher paperwork improving work-life balance.

With the sheer abundance of online resources available to teachers, no longer are their lesson plans bound exclusively to reams of paperwork and printed handouts. By utilizing trusted apps and technology, educators can steer away from traditional methods and embrace digital media. Virtual lesson plans, grading software and online assessments are all available to teachers and can save them valuable time. Time which can be spent focusing on one-to-one interactions with students—particularly those who might need additional help. 

5. Improves parent-teacher interaction.

It’s not just teachers and students that can benefit from the integration of technology into the education system. Parents, too, can establish healthy contact with teachers, thanks to a range of smart parent-teacher interaction apps. This software helps parents monitor the development of their child through clear lines of communication with educators. 

Parents can message teachers, arrange appointments with virtual calendars, and even host video conferences. Teachers understand how important a parent's role is in the educational growth of a child, and technology can help facilitate this kind of dynamic in the modern age. 

6. Improves and enhances peer support and collaboration between students

ICT encourages collaboration amongst students and facilitates them working collectively. Students can hone their powers of teamwork by immersing themselves in various online activities. Projects can be worked on conjointly using forums or by exchanging documents in their virtual learning environments. The global reach of the internet means that this kind of collaboration doesn't need to be confined to one classroom. Students can just as easily interact and cooperate with a child sitting next to them, as they can one the other side of the world!

7. Enables teachers to differentiate their teaching

ICT ensures that educators are given the tools to focus specific resources and delivery systems to suit individual learning levels and styles. No longer are students constrained to the finite pages of a book, but are allowed to soar into an almost infinite learning arena, expanding knowledge and creativity. Physical technology, virtual and augmented worlds allows students to explore near real experiences, allowing the teacher to enhance existing concepts and resources. These technologies are forever being updated and expanded upon, meaning lessons should never feel stale or outmoded.

8. Teaches new life skills and prepares pupils for future workplaces

Students can learn valuable life skills through exposure to ICT; skills that they might not learn in a traditional learning environment and ones that will become invaluable to them in later life. Digital collaboration, productivity, leadership, communication, presentation and research skills using tools such as Microsoft Search Coach. All highly-coveted talents to the modern employer.

As mobiles and tablets become an increasingly common feature in the workplace, a student who is fluent using smart devices will stand a much better chance of securing employment in the digital landscape than someone who isn’t. Technological advances move at break-neck speed, and students who can synchronise and adapt with this constant evolution are more likely to find success in their future workplace.

9. Allows students to learn at their own pace and encourages individual learning styles

No student is the same; their abilities and learning speeds can vary dramatically, which can present challenges to educators in a traditional analogue classroom setting.  Technology in education enables children to adjust to their own pace of learning. Students that require more time to grasp subjects and ideas are given full licence to do so, while students needing less support can advance ahead. This, in turn, creates a more efficient process for teachers and allows them to devote more individual one-on-one time for children who might need additional support.

10. Helps children with special needs or disabilities with greater access to more focussed learning resources

There’s plenty of evidence to suggest that technology can assist children in overcoming their communication and physical difficulties in the classroom. Interactive computer-based systems allow teachers to customize lesson plans to include those with learning difficulties. These processes can be tailored specifically to fit the individual child’s  needs, interests, and particular learning styles.

Importantly, students who might otherwise have been excluded from the learning experience through traditional methods, can flourish thanks to a healthy combination of teaching support and ICT. Educators can use technology to meet these challenges and deliver the same lesson in different ways.

Exploring the vast potential of technology can be daunting at first, but it’s well worth the effort.

Do talk to us if you'd like to take the first few steps on this incredible journey, or learn more about our IT support for Education services.