What is ICT in HUMSS?

WHAT IS ICT?

Stands for "Information and Communication Technologies." ICT refers to technologies that provide access to information through telecommunications. It is similar to Information Technology (IT), but focuses primarily on communication technologies. This includes the Internet, wireless networks, cell phones, and other communication mediums. In the past few decades, information and communication technologies have provided society with a vast array of new communication capabilities. For example, people can communicate in real-time with others in different countries using technologies such as instant messaging, voice over IP (VoIP), and video-conferencing. Social networking websites like Facebook allow users from all over the world to remain in contact and communicate on a regular basis. Modern information and communication technologies have created a "global village," in which people can communicate with others across the world as if they were living next door. For this reason, ICT is often studied in the context of how modern communication technologies affect society.

ICT IN HUMSS

This dissertation will aim to describe the ways ICT is used in education and the way it influences learning process, learning environment, students, faculty members and education. Lack of information on the concept of ICT literacy is evident in higher education institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, without precise definition and overall depth analysis on its need within the entire academic community. ICT can not only play an important role in achieving different activities such as teaching, learning, research, application, development of curriculum and collaborative learning, but also determine the future of education system through big restructuring of methods and management. Under the influence of modern technologies, education underwent dramatic change over the course of several recent decades. New education models require the entire former so called traditional teaching and learning process to change as well as organisation of contemporary environment that is based on contemporary educational theory. Through ICT, learning can occur anywhere and at any time. Based on ICT teaching and learning no longer depend exclusively on printed materials. Behaviourism, cognitivism and constructivism are the three mostly used learning theories employed in creating educational environment. These theories of learning had been developed at a time when Web 2.0 technologies of today did not exist therefore they do not adequately explain learning within the environment of new technologies. The new approach to learning model is called connectivism. Connectivism is a theory which studies the ways in which people acquire knowledge in the modern digital age. According to the postulates of this theory the bonds that people make with others greatly influence the process of learning, and learning represents the process of continuous gathering of new facts and questioning of existing knowledge. Technology has a potential to improve many aspects in daily life, including learning. It has been proven that technology increases engagement of a student and outcomes of learning. Collaborative technology is usually used to support group collaboration; however, it can be customized for the need of collaborative learning. This connection between collaborative learning and collaborative technologies is associated with computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL-Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning). However, the advancement of technology extended CSCL to other technologies. The example of this is mobile CSCL (mCSCL). The development of mobile technology made collaborative learning even more interesting, now students can use their mobile devices for learning anywhere and at any moment. mCSCL makes collaborative learning possible everywhere and therefore has advantages over the collaboration in traditional educational method.  

ICT IN EDUCATION

For developing countries ICTs have the potential for increasing access to and improving the relevance and quality of education. It thus represents a potentially equalizing strategy for developing countries. [ICTs] greatly facilitate the acquisition and absorption of knowledge, offering developing countries unprecedented opportunities to enhance educational systems, improve policy formulation and execution, and widen the range of opportunities for business and the poor. One of the greatest hardships endured by the poor, and by many others who live in the poorest countries, is their sense of isolation. The new communications technologies promise to reduce that sense of isolation, and to open access to knowledge in ways unimaginable not long ago [12] However, the reality of the Digital Divide—the gap between those who have access to and control of technology and those who do not—means that the introduction and integration of ICTs at different levels and in various types of education will be a most challenging undertaking. Failure to meet the challenge would mean a further widening of the knowledge gap and the deepening of existing economic and social inequalities.

ICTs HELP IMPROVE THE quality OF EDU.

Improving the quality of education and training is a critical issue, particularly at a time of educational expansion. ICTs can enhance the quality of education in several ways: by increasing learner motivation and engagement, by facilitating the acquisition of basic skills, and by enhancing teacher training. [14] ICTs are also transformational tools which, when used appropriately, can promote the shift to a learner-centered environment. Motivating to learn. ICTs such as videos, television and multimedia computer software that combine text,sound, and colorful, moving images can be used to provide challenging and authentic content that will engage the student in the learning process. Interactive radio likewise makes use of sound effects, songs, dramatizations, comic skits, and other performance conventions to compel the students to listen and become involved in the lessons being delivered. More so than any other type of ICT, networked computers with Internet connectivity can increase learner motivation as it combines the media richness and interactivity of other ICTs with the opportunity to connect with real people and to participate in real world events. Facilitating the acquisition of basic skills. The transmission of basic skills and concepts that are the foundation of higher order thinking skills and creativity can be facilitated by ICTs through drill and practice. Educational television programs such as Sesame Street use repetition and reinforcement to teach the alphabet, numbers, colours, shapes and other basic concepts. Most of the early uses of computers were for computer-based learning (also called computer-assisted instruction) that focused on mastery of skills and content through repetition and reinforcement. (See section below on Computer-Based Learning.)