Some words about ICT

1. ICT and online education – an overview
India is the pioneer in education and the Nalanda University stands as the only
example for this statement. The twenty first century is already the age of
knowledge, the knowledge society and the educational age.
Some years back, education was taught through a teacher centered
classroom. The teacher was the only source of repository of knowledge and the
students were ought to depend solely on the teachers and textbooks.
But at an young age of life learning through a real classroom environment from a
real teacher is very much important becausethe other aspects of life like
collaboration, communication, curiosity, team work, adorning others, sharing of
information and experiences, togetherness, sharing of happy, sad and joyous
moments , learning life skills, making life a wonderful journey, all lies in the
classroomenvironment.
A student in lucky when the teacher has a love and passiontowards the subject
and at the same time inspires the student to a large extent and also has a passion
that is passionately committed to the well-being of the other, which motivates and
inspires even a very unlikable student in a powerful way.
Teachers cannot teach the same way they were taught. There is no fullstop of the
learning process fora teacher. Obviously, a teacher always have to be first a
learner .
Already the shift from a teacher centered classroom to a student centered
classroomhas begun. The lovable, carring, empathetic teachers are a boonto the
students who are facing lot of risks to meet both ends and to study also irrespective
of their family circumstances.
Knowledge can be acquired by a myriad of sources and the teacher has now
become a facilitator to facilitate the student to get the right knowledge and the
student travels in the right direction of education.
But the trend has changed in recent years, i.e. whoever wants to learn whatever
subject are allowed to learn through online repositories of information.Thanks to
the Government, both storage of data and accessibility to the data through internet
facilities has been opened to every individual. Now learning is not stopped. But let
this ICT and online learning methods may be used by any required individual to
raise or improve his knowledge or to gain mastery over a particular subject.
In an online environment, choices are more which act as a delicious feast to a
hungry learner. And when learnt in-depth this will help even an ordinary personto

2. present himself as an intellectual among the learned community , but the choice
has to be carefully chosen. The personshould not allow his hunger to reduce by
itself. Learning should be a continuous process and the inquisitiveness should
always be held high. However, this kind of learning environment will suit only
persons who need not be kindled to learn the necessary things.
People also get excited to use technology and tools in learning and online learning
also induces sharing with and learning from peers.
Some of the advantages of ICT are :
1. Time and money can be saved because of good communication speed.
2. Globalisation is possible
3. Cost-effective
4. Bridges the cultural gap
5. Creation of new jobs
6. Creates powerful educational oppurtunities
7. Improves interactive teaching
Some of the disadvantages are :
1. Only skilled people will get job oppurtunities
2. Lack of job security
3. Overriding cultures.
4. Less Privacy
5. Depends on technology
6. Expensive
7. Viruses may cause chaos
If ICT is positively and constructively used, the future is ours !!!