Before we can even talk about what ICTs are, we need to understand what ICT means. The acronym ICT simply stands for Information and Communications Technology, and this term describes any object that allows for digital communication and information sharing - so, your phone, computer, digital TV, digital camera, etc, all fall under the banner of ICTs.
Margaret Rouse from TechTarget explains ICT as "an umbrella term that includes any communication device or application, encompassing: radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and so on, as well as the various services and applications associated with them, such as videoconferencing and distance learning."
In 2015, it is more obvious than ever that ICTs play a huge role in our everyday lives. The last 15 years can be described as a revolutionary era for the technological world, and there are no indications of this trend slowing or stopping any time soon. Although our world looks nothing like the world predicted in movies such as Back to the Future and TV shows like The Jetsons, it is impossible to deny that we have reached a level of technological advancement well beyond the understanding of most.
So what does this mean for our classrooms, and in particular our early years classrooms and your children? While your child is only in Prep, it is essential to recognise the world they will be entering when they finish their schooling, a mere 12-13 years away. It is guaranteed that today's world will no longer be relevant - we cannot even guarantee that our classrooms will be the same as they are now. In order for our children to be successful when they enter "the real world", we need to give them the tools to succeed, as well as the understanding of how to use these tools. This requires authentic and intentional ICT training; training that begins as early as possible in order to maximise the learning of our students.
Margaret Rouse from TechTarget explains ICT as "an umbrella term that includes any communication device or application, encompassing: radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and so on, as well as the various services and applications associated with them, such as videoconferencing and distance learning."
In 2015, it is more obvious than ever that ICTs play a huge role in our everyday lives. The last 15 years can be described as a revolutionary era for the technological world, and there are no indications of this trend slowing or stopping any time soon. Although our world looks nothing like the world predicted in movies such as Back to the Future and TV shows like The Jetsons, it is impossible to deny that we have reached a level of technological advancement well beyond the understanding of most.
So what does this mean for our classrooms, and in particular our early years classrooms and your children? While your child is only in Prep, it is essential to recognise the world they will be entering when they finish their schooling, a mere 12-13 years away. It is guaranteed that today's world will no longer be relevant - we cannot even guarantee that our classrooms will be the same as they are now. In order for our children to be successful when they enter "the real world", we need to give them the tools to succeed, as well as the understanding of how to use these tools. This requires authentic and intentional ICT training; training that begins as early as possible in order to maximise the learning of our students.