Lesson 9 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.

THE PERSONAL COMPUTER (PC) AS ICT

            Until the nineties, it was still possible to distinguish between instructional media and educational communication media.

            Instructional media consist of audio-visual aids that served to enhance and enrich the teaching-learning process. Examples are the blackboard, photo, film and video.

            On the other hand, educational communication media comprise the media of communication to audiences including learners using print, film, radio, television or satellite means of communication. For example, distance learning were implemented using correspondence, radio, television or computer satellite system.

To illustrate, let’s examine the programs (capabilities) normally installed in an ordinary modern PC:

Microsoft Office – program for composing text, graphics, photos into letters, articles, reports etc.

Power-point – for preparing lecture presentation

Excel – for spreadsheets and similar graphic sheets



 Internet Explorer – Access to the Internet

 


 

Yahoo or Google – websites; e-mails, chat rooms Blog sites, news service (print/video) educational software etc.

Adobe Reader – Graphs/photo composition and editing

MSN – Mail/chat messaging

Windows media player – CD, VCD player or editing film/video

Cyber link Power – DVD player

Games House – Video games