1. AN OVERVIEW OF RELEVANCE AND
LIMITATIONS OF ICT IN EDUCATION
By
YUNUSA, ABDULLAHI ABUBAKAR
And
IBRAHIM, ISA DALHATU
FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND EXTENSION SERVICES
DEPARTMENT OF AND CURRICULUM STUDIES, EDUCATIONAL
TECHNOLOGY
USMANU DANFODIYO UNIVERSITY, SOKOTO

2. Abstract
As humans have evolved, so has their technology. From the first
rock arrowheads to globe-spanning communication networks,
humans have attempted to use technology to improve the length
and quality of life. Yet, while technology has produced an
enormous number of benefits for mankind, it has been
responsible for a number of pernicious effects as well. This paper
focused the benefits and draw backs of Information and
Communication Technology with particular emphasis on the most
important aspect of human endeavor, education. These relevance
and disadvantages were sourced and collated from different
authors and educationists perspectives with a view to serving the
need for references by diverse interests in ICT. Despite the
drawbacks, which are marginal, Technology generally, has
improved human living in no small measure, to the extent that the
benefits or full potential is yet to be optimized; as efforts are still
ongoing to effect positive changes day in and day-out ‘especially
in the field of educational technology and most centrally in
instructional delivery .

3. Objective
The cardinal objective(s) of this paper is to discuss
and identify diverse literature and/or views on the
Benefits and Limitations of information and
communication technology in education as advanced
by some authorities in the field and to enhance
understanding of the concept and roles of ICT in
education/in instructional delivery in the 21st century.

4. Introduction
Definition of ICT
• United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP): ‘ICTs are basically information-handling
tools- a varied set of goods,
applications and services that are used to
produce, store, process, distribute and
exchange information.they include all forms of
media both old and new.

5. Classification of ICT
• Based on xteristics
• Synchronous and asynchronous
• Synchronous Media:require participants to be
together at the same time but may be in
different places.e.g.Audio graphics,radio
&television broadcast etc.
• Asynchronous media: for being at different
times and different places. e. g. E-mail,
computer file transfer etc.

6. Benefits of Technology
steinberg (2008)
• Aids absorbtion
• Provides boundless horizon for research and for presentation.
• Prepares students for work setting
• Help children to prepare for school through video games etc.
• Increased access to rural and remote places
• Enhanced communication between cultures and At Disaster periods e.g phone
records were used to understand the London bombings in 2005.and earthquake
in Haiti 2010.
Other Benefits include:
Access to all forms of information
Virtual Field trips:i.e bringing the wider world in to the class room
access to efficient use of Data by Educators.
Collaboration:through internet,phones etc.overall ICT offers teachers and
students opportunities that would otherwise be extremely difficult in the
classroom

7. Drawbacks of technology
• Technology goes unused due to lack of
preparation of the teachers and students.
• Costly to start up
• Too Centralized in the economy of scale