I C T

MODULE III

INFORMATION AND 

COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

The concept of ICT

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) — which include radio and television, as well as newer digital technologies such as computers and the Internet  — have been proven as potentially powerful tools for educational change and reform. When used appropriately, different ICTs can help expand access to education, strengthen the relevance of education to the increasingly digital workplace, and raise educational quality by helping make teaching and learning into an active process connected to real life.

MEANING OF ICT

Information and Communication Technologies refers to technologies that provide access to information through telecommunications such as the Telephony, Internet, wireless networks, cell phones, etc.

It is an  integration of tele-communications  such as telephone lines, wireless signals, computers, necessary software,   storage devices, audio-visual systems, etc. which enable us to access, retrieve, store, transmit, and manipulate information.

Information and Communication Technology in education is the processing of information its communication facilities and features that variously support teaching, learning and a range of activities in education.

DEFINITIONS

"ICT  is defined, as a "diverse set of technological tools and resources used to communicate, and to create, disseminate, store, and manage information."

"ICT implies the technology which consists of electronic devices and associated human interactive materials that enable the user to employ them for a wide range of teaching  - learning processes in addition to personal use." These technologies include computers, the Internet, broadcasting technologies, and telephony.

"Information and communications technology (ICT) in education is the processing of information and its communications facilities and features that variously support teaching, learning and a range of activities in education."

Characteristics of ICT

    Support teaching and learning process

    Enhancing teacher training

    Cater to individual differences

    Minimize psychological barriers

    Effective audiovisual effects

    Motivating to learn

    Uses of contemporary devices

    Brings about changes and reforms in education

    Educate both formal and informal settings

     Real time access to information.

    Connecting Geographically dispersed regions

    Facilitating acquisition of basic skills

    Wider range of communication media.

    Expanding learning opportunity  

    Facilitator of higher-order thinking skills  

SCOPE OF ICT

1.       Anytime, Anywhere learning… Now computers and web networks reduce the pace of imparting knowledge.   One can study whenever he wills irrespective of whether it   is day or night and irrespective of being in India or in US    because of the boom in IT.

2.       Authentic and up to date    information… The information and data which are available on the NET is purely correct and up to date.

3.       Access to variety of learning resources… In the era of technology ICT aids plenty of resources to enhance the teaching skills and learning ability. It facilitate easy and quick access to rich teaching and learning resources including ICT systems and services, computing resources, online learning materials,  e-learning, and other education centered applications.

4.       E-Learning… ICT encourage the use of eLearning and adoption of its tools and technologies to facilitate widening access to learning and improving educational achievements.

5.       Distance learning... Distance Learning, method of learning at a distance rather than in a classroom.  Home-based learning, and part-time learning…

6.       Online library…   Internets support thousands of different kinds of operational and experimental services one of which is online library. We can get plenty of data on this online library.

7.       Lifelong learning… Develop a framework for web enabled lifelong learning through continuous education and training.

8.       Multimedia approach to education… Audio-Visual Education, planning, preparation, and use of devices and materials that involve sight, sound, or both, for educational purposes.  It enhance and enrich learning with variety of individual needs.

9. ICT as an administrative tool… Different types of systems and software are useful educational management and school administration.    

10.     Better accesses to children with disabilities… Information technology has brought drastic changes in the life of disabled children. IT provides various software and technique to educate these poor peoples.

Needs of ICT in Education:

§  Population explosion

§  Knowledge explosion

§  Universal and compulsory education

§  Mass education

§  Adult education

§  Education equality

§  Improvement of Quality education

§  Appropriate learning environment

ADVANTAGES OF ICT

Benefits for teachers

Easier planning and preparation of lessons and designing materials

ICT facilitates sharing of resources, expertise and advice

Greater flexibility in when and where tasks are carried out

Access to up-to-date pupil and school data, any time and any where.

Benefits for students

Higher quality lessons through greater collaboration between teachers.

More focused teaching, tailored to students’ strengths and weaknesses.

Development of writing skills, language fluency, comprehension, etc.

Encouragement of independent and active learning

Flexibility of ‘anytime, anywhere’ access  of information

Development of higher level learning styles.

Develops self-confidence and self-esteem and self responsibilities

Benefits for parents…

Easier communication with teachers

Higher quality student reports  

Greater access to more accurate attendance and attainment information

Increased involvement of parents and improved self-esteem

Parents are more likely to be engaged in the school community

LIMITATIONS OF ICT

v Setting up the devices can be very troublesome and also expensive.

v Lack of confidence  and experience among teachers to use ICT devices.

v Over-reliance on ICT limits students’ critical thinking and analytical skills.

v Computers can be misused. Students may be easily distracted from their learning and may visit unwanted sites.

v Computers limit students’ imaginations and creativity.

v Computer-based learning has negative physical side-effects.

v Students tend to neglect learning resources other than the computer and internet.

v Students often have only a superficial understanding of the information they download.

v Students may have less opportunity to use oral skills and hand writing and tend to copying data from the internet.

v Use of ICT may be difficult for weaker students, because they may have problems with working independently and may need more support from the teacher.

THE CONCEPT OF INFORMATICS:

Informatics is the science of information, the practice of information processing, and the engineering of information systems. It studies the structure, algorithms, behavior, and interactions of natural and artificial systems that store, process, access and communicate information.

The term informatics is coined as a combination of "information" and "automatic" to describe the science of automating information interactions. It is used as a synonymous with the academic field of informatics, information science or computer science.

Education Informatics is a sub-field of informatics. It is based upon information science, computer science and education and particularly addresses the intersection of these broad areas.    It is distinctively used to refer information technology which relates more and to support the teaching learning process. 

COMPUTER NETWORKS:

A computer network is a collection of computers connected to each other and other hardware interconnected by communication channels that allow sharing of resources and information.

Types of Networks:

LAN - Local Area Network

WLAN - Wireless Local Area Network

WAN - Wide Area Network

MAN - Metropolitan Area Network

CAN - Campus Area Network, Cluster Area Network, etc.

PAN - Personal Area Network

Local Area Network:

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a computer network that interconnects two or more computers in a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, or office building using network media. There is a main computer called server and remote computers called clients.   It is useful for sharing resources like files, printers, games or other applications. 

Wide Area Network:

A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a collection of computers and network resources connected via a network over a broad geographic area such as a nation, a continent, etc. through private or public network transports such as the telephone system,  leased lines or satellites. The largest WAN in existence is the Internet.

Comparison between LAN and WAN

LAN   covers a small geographic area, like a home, office, or group of buildings. Eg: Network in an organisation	WAN  covers a broad area like a metropolitan city , a region, a nation, etc. Eg: Internet
LAN is typically owned, controlled, and managed by a single person or organization.	WAN is not owned by any one organization but rather exist under collective or distributed ownership and management
LANs have a high data transfer rate	WANs have a lower data transfer rate as compared to LANs
LAN has fewer data transmission errors.	WAN has more data transmission errors as compared to LAN
Have a small geographical range and do not need any leased telecommunication lines	Have a large geographical range  and need leased telecommunication lines
LAN is easier to maintain at relatively low costs because of small geographical area.	WAN is difficult to maintain because of its wider geographical coverage.
LAN can be connected to other LANs over any distance via telephone lines and radio waves	Computers connected to a wide-area network are often connected through public networks, such as the telephone system.

INTERNET AND WORLD WIDE WEB

The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks to serve billions of users worldwide. It is a network of networks that consists of millions of private, public, academic, business, and government networks linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless and optical networking technologies. It carries an extensive range of various information resources and services to transmit and exchange.

It is a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized communication protocols such as TCP/IP - Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.

The World Wide Web, commonly known as the Web, is a system of interlinked hypertext documents accessed via the Internet.  It is a worldwide collections of electronic documents,  spread across the internet, linked with each other through related topics, which contain text, pictures, graphics, sounds, videos, etc. It is a widely used information system on the Internet that provides facilities for documents to be connected to other documents by hypertext markup language system.

Web Server:  It is a mechanism in which a program and a computer are clubbed into one and responds to the requests from web browsers for internet resources.

Web Browser:  The software used to navigate the web is known as web browser. It is a program that allows a user to display and interact with a hypertext document.

Ex: Internet explorer, Netscape Navigator.

Web Site: A website or simply a site is a set of related web pages containing contents such as text, image, video, audio, etc. hosted on a web browser. A site is accessible via a network  through an internet address called Uniform Resource Locator.

It is a set of interconnected web pages, usually including a homepage, generally located on the same server, and prepared and maintained as a collection of information by a person, group, or organization.

Web Page: It is  a   document on the World Wide Web, consisting of an HTML file and any related files for scripts and graphics, and often hyperlinked to other documents on the Web and viewable by anyone connected to the internet who has a web browser.

Web Designing: Web design is a general term to describe any of the various tasks involved in creating a web page.  It encompasses many different skills and disciplines in the production and maintenance of websites. It refers to jobs focused on building the front-end -client side- of a web page.

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)

It is a language for describing web pages.  It is standardised system for tagging the text files to achieve font, colour, graphics, and hyperlink effects on the web pages.

KompoZer:   It is a free and open source complete web authoring system which integrates web page development and web file management. It provides a web page editor which has simple graphical interface – WYSIWYG. It allows you to create web pages without learning HTML in normal mode. It is new version of Nvu editor based on the Composer component of Mozilla Application Suite.

Search Engine: A web search engine is designed to search for information on the World Wide Web. Search engines are programs that search documents for specified keywords and returns a list of the documents where the keywords were found.

WYSIWUG: "what you see is what you get".

A website or simply a site is a set of related web pages containing contents such as text, image, video, audio, etc. hosted on a web browser. A site is accessible via a network  through an internet address called Uniform Resource Locator.

It is a set of interconnected web pages, usually including a homepage, generally located on the same server, and prepared and maintained as a collection of information by a person, group, or organization.

Web design is a general term to describe any of the various tasks involved in creating a web page.  It encompasses many different skills and disciplines in the production and maintenance of websites. It refers to jobs focused on building the front-end -client side- of a web page.

It is a free and open source web authoring system. It allows you to create web pages without learning HTML in normal mode, which is WYSIWYG mode. It is new version of Nvu editor based on the Composer component of Mozilla Application Suite.

MODULE IV

Technology Mediated Learning

Technology-mediated learning–TML- is an 'umbrella' term,  used  to encompass the use of any form of technology  to mediate learning interaction or materials. 

It incorporate different approaches to the use of computers in learning and teaching such as Computer-Aided/Assisted Learning (CAL), Computer Managed Learning (CML), Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC), computer-based production and presentation tools , computer-supported research tools, etc. It includes both e-learning  and computer-assisted learning using any technology such as clickers.

Clickers are hand-held devices that allow students in the classroom to instantly provide feedback, answer questions, vote in response to questions posed, etc.  It is very similar to the remotes through which students send their responses by infrared signals to a computer system that displays the results instantly.

E-Learning

What is e-learning?

E-learning is an approach to administering education and training through the use of modern technology.

This is a type of teaching and learning that one can be obtained by the means of online technology. Instead of going to school and attend a regular class, e-learning is done in the comfort of your own home wherein you can also gain intellectually.

Definitions of E-learning:

E-learning is defined as the learning conducted via electronic media, typically on the Internet:  Oxford English Dictionary

“E-learning is defined as learning facilitated by the use of digital tools and content that involves some form of interactivity, which may include online interaction between the learner and their teacher or peers” (Ministry of Communication and Technology of New Zealand, 2008).

“E-learning refers to educational processes that utilise information and communications technology to mediate synchronous as well as asynchronous learning and teaching activities” (Jereb&Šmitek, 2006).

Meaning of E-learning:

E-learning is the computer and network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge. It is specifically used:to encompass the use of digital computers and the Internet to support learning and teaching process.  It includes all forms of electronically supported learning and teaching, including educational technology.

Abbreviations like CBT (Computer-Based Training), IBT (Internet-Based Training) or WBT (Web-Based Training) have been used as synonyms to e-learning.

E-learning applications and processes include Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual education opportunities and digital collaboration. Content is delivered via the Internet, intranet, audio or video tape, satellite TV, CD-ROM, etc. It can be self-paced or instructor-led and includes media in the form of text, image, animation, streaming video and audio.

Characteristics of E-Learning:

1. Assessment, curriculum design and development

Meets organizational and individual needs of assessment -Setting competency standards of performance - Roadman to educational success

2. Branded educational content

Proven, highquality intellectual user friendly content - Timely, relevant, and consistent information - Keeping fastchanging content current, dynamic, and refreshed.

3. Broad and easy access to information

Anyone, anytime, anywhere, any subject - Multiple technologybased delivery methods - Synchronous and asynchronous - Enabling just-in-time training.

4. Engaging user experience:

Rich multimedia experience - Realistic simulations, role playing and videobased teaching and storytelling - Advice and explanations from experts/mentors 

5. Regular Reinforcement:         

Personalized or real-time online mentors - Webcasts, interviews, live events - Facilitated workshops, practical exercises and application.

6. Collaborative online communities

Access to fellow learners, instructors, experts, etc. - Access to system knowledge base - Private company and global communities.

7. Centralized tracking and administration:

Easy and automatic knowledge management - Tools to evaluate progress of individuals or groups -

8. Cost effective and Time saving:  

Does not need more investment - beneficial for both personal and group learning - number of students can be learnt at the same time – cost effective learning materials - Reduces travelling time and costs for off-campus students, etc.

9. Student Centered Approach:

Accommodates individual preferences and needs - Ensures opportunity in educational equality -  enhance access to the best resources, referral material, lecture sessions, tutoring and experienced teachers.

MOODLE

Moodle - Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment - is a free source e-learning software platform, also known as a Learning Management System (LMS) or Course Management System (CMS),  or Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It is a free software package for producing web applications that educators can use to create effective online learning courses and web sites.  Hence, it has become very popular among educators around the world as a tool for creating online dynamic web sites for their students. 

Moodle was originally developed by Martin Dougiamas to help educators to create online courses with a focus on interaction and collaborative construction of content, and is in continual evolution. The first version of Moodle 1.0 was released on 20 August 2002 and the latest version 2.4.1was released on   14 January 2013.

Types of E-learning:

There are mainly two types of e-learning, Online and Off-line learning or synchronous or asynchronous learning.

Online learning is a method of delivering educational information or learning experiences via computer and the internet instead of in a normal physical classroom.

It enables students to interact with one another synchronously - when students are connected and communicating at the same time - and asynchronously - when they are connected and communicate at different times.

The courses offered through online learning cover a wide range of subjects and the works are conducted through electronic forums, discussion groups, external resources, social rooms, etc.

Off-line means not connected to the internet or to any other devices or the device is not turned on. Which means presently the system or the device is not ready to communicate with other devices.

Synchronous Learning:

Synchronous, means “at the same time,”  which involves interaction of participants with an instructor via the Web in real time. Participants interact with each other and instructors through instant messaging, chat, audio and video conferencing etc. and what’s more all the sessions can be recorded and played back.

Synchronous learning simply refers to a learning environment in which everyone takes part at the same time. Lecture is an example of synchronous learning in a face-to-face environment, where learners and teachers are all in the same place at the same time. Synchronous e-Learning lets teachers conduct classes over the Internet. The synchronous technologies allow people to interact with peers, teachers, experts, etc.

Synchronous e-learning commonly supported by media such as videoconferencing and chat, has the potential to support e-learners in the development of learning communities. Learners and teachers experience synchronous e-learning as more social and avoid frustration by asking and answering questions in real time. Synchronous sessions help e-learners feel like participants rather than isolates.

Advantages of Synchronous Learning

Cost effective and flexibility

Permits immediate feedback and detailed collaboration both with instructors and fellow students.

Physical barriers of distance are eliminated

Global and accessible for all learners.

Enhances self-esteem, confidence, and work performance.

Learners can ask questions directly

Learners receive immediate feedback.

Familiarity of classroom model due to interaction facility.

The ability to create content quickly.

Ability to personalise the training for each learner.

Continuous monitoring and correction is possible

Disadvantages of Synchronous Learning

Required technical knowledge

Require high infrastructural facilities like high speed internet etc.

Learner who lack proficient  computer skills may struggle or drop the class

Learners who lack self-confidence, guidance, self-teaching skills and lack of motivation

Less time convenience

Different time zones which may affect scheduling and participation issues

Asynchronous Learning:

Asynchronous, which means “not at the same time,” allows the participants to complete the WBT -Web-based training- at their own pace, without live interaction with the instructor or peer. The term asynchronous is usually used to describe communications in which data can be transmitted intermittently rather than in a steady stream. 

Asynchronous learning is a student-centered teaching method that uses online learning resources to facilitate information sharing outside the constraints of time and place among a network of people. Learners are able to interact with course materials and with each other at a time of their choosing.

Asynchronous learning is based on constructivist theory and it emphasizes the importance of peer-to-peer interactions. It is commonly facilitated by media such as e-mail, discussion boards, blogs, etc. and supports work relations among learners and with teachers, even when participants cannot be online at the same time. 

Advantages of Asynchronous Learning

Gives students time to read the material and form a response

Students aren’t subjected to be online at specific day or time

Students can respond to comments posted on their time

Accommodate students from anywhere in world and in any time zone

Overwhelmingly positive impact on the overarching learning objectives for most courses

Learners in control of their learning and are Self-motivated 

Disadvantages of Asynchronous Learning

A feeling of being disconnected from the group

Loss of motivation or interest due to feeling disconnected

Loss of learning and retention of material

No direct opportunity for questioning

May not accommodate all learning styles

Content is relatively static because it takes time to produce

Students can become negative against the learning process and the instructor

A Student can begin to see the course as burden or obstacle instead of a gainful learning experience

Virtual Classroom:

Virtual classroom or virtual education refers to instruction in a learning environment where teacher and student are separated by time or space, or both, and the course content is delivered by using various internet technologies such as course management applications, multimedia resources, video conferencing, etc.  

A virtual classroom is simply means an online learning environment where students and instructors can interact each other through a computer mediated communication system.

A virtual learning environment (VLE), or learning platform, is an education system based on the web that models conventional real-world education by providing equivalent virtual access to classes, class content, tests, homework, grades, assessments, and other external resources such as academic or museum links. It is also a social space where students and teacher can interact through threaded discussions or chat. Students can log in to the class websites to view this information and may also download assignments and required reading materials to their computers. 

Computer Managed Instruction (CMI),

The computer managed instruction is a label  for a broad category of computer based tools and applications designed to assist the teacher or school administration in the management of the instructional process . 

Computer managed instruction is an instructional strategy in which a computer is used to manage several aspects of instruction whereby the computer is used to provide learning objectives, learning resources, administration of tests,  assessment of learner performance, design and preparation of learning prescriptions,  etc.

Computer Assisted Instruction:

Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is an interactive instructional technique whereby a computer is used to present the instructional material, monitor the learning and select additional instructional material in accordance with individual learner needs.

CAI refers to the use of the computer as a tool to facilitate and improve instruction. It uses a combination of text, graphics, sound and video in enhancing the learning process.  

Types of Computer Assisted Instruction

1. Drill-and-practice: Drill and practice provide opportunities or students to repeatedly practice the skills that have previously been presented and that further practice is necessary for mastery.

2. Tutorial: Tutorial activity includes both the presentation of information and its extension into different forms of work, including drill and practice, games and simulation.

3. Games: Game software often creates a contest to achieve the highest score and either beat others or beat the computer.

4. Simulation: Simulation software can provide an approximation of reality that does not require the expense of real life or its risks.

5. Discovery: Discovery approach provides a large database of information specific to a course or content area and challenges the learner to analyze, compare, infer and evaluate based on their explorations of the data.

6. Problem Solving: This approach helps children develop specific problem solving skills and strategies.

Advantages of CAI

One-to-one interaction

Great motivator

Freedom to experiment with different options

Instantaneous response/immediate feedback to the answers elicited

Self pacing - allow students to proceed at their own pace

Helps teacher can devote more time to individual students

Privacy helps the shy and slow learner to learns

Individual attention

Learn more and more rapidly

Multimedia helps to understand difficult concepts through multi sensory approach

Self directed learning – students can decide when, where, and what to learn

Limitations of CAI

May feel overwhelmed by the information and resources available

Over use of multimedia may divert the attention from the content

Learning becomes too mechanical

Non availability of good CAI packages

Lack of infrastructure