Lesson 9: Computers as Information and Communication Technology

COMPUTERS AS INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

  In the Educational Technology Course 1 the role of the computer in education was well discussed. It was pointed out that the advent of the computer is recognized as the third revolution in education, the first was the invention of the printing press; the second, the introduction of libraries; and the third, the invention of the computer, especially so with the advent of the microcomputer in 1975. Thus emerged computer technology in education.

      Through computer technology, educators saw the amplification of learning 
along computer literacy. Much like reading, the modern student can now interact with computer messages; even respond to questions or to computer commands. Again like writing, the learner can form messages using computer language or program.

          Soon computer-assisted instruction (CAI) was introduce using the principle of individualized learning through a positive climate that includes realism and appeal with drill exercises that uses color, music and animation. The novelty of CAI has not waned to this day especially in the basic education level as this is offered by computer-equipped private schools. But the evolving pace of innovation in today’s Information Age is so dynamic that within the first decade of the 21^st century, computer technology in education has matured to transform into an educative information and communication technology (ICT) in education.