ADVANTAGES OF ICT

Keeping up with the world, being part of the community, ICT is imperative for inclusive teaching as well as a motivational tool. ICT plays a huge roe in teaching children with disabilities in forms of brail keyboards, special mouses, audio equipment for literacy and communication. ICT to be an advantage in a classroom can only work if the tools are integrated positively by a teacher who is confident in using the equipment as tools.

J. Blackmore, L. Hardcastle, et. Al. confirm in their case studies that ICT motivates the students encourages problem solving, analytical and higher order thinking (2003, page 41). Providing an inclusive environment where ICT is encouraged for students to access and use, develops individuals who have strong self efficacy and students who are innovative as well as providing a central tool to help each other. Cooperative learning is a very effective teaching strategy and when integrating ICT it makes for a very powerful learning environment.

A, Cartelli discusses the advantages of ICT and teaching strategies using cooperative learning where small groups of students at different levels of abilities, work together on a project and the use of the information technologies play a central role in the learning environment (2006, page 187-190). This strategy of incorporating cooperative learning and ICT allows students working together to not only learn from what is being taught but also learn by helping other students in their team. A Cartelli confirms that students in this environment are more engaged in the activity, that the students retention is higher and the students develop oral skills in oral communication while feeling satisfied with their own learning experience (2006, page 188).

Reference list.

Blackmore, J., Hardcastle, L., Bamblett, E., Ownens, J. (2003).
Effective Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to Enhance Learning for Disadvantaged School Students. Deakin University, Retrieved July 11, 2010, from www.dest.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/D63F92A3-6931.../ICTreport.pdf.

A, Cartelli. (2006) Teaching in the knowledge society new skills and instruments for Teachers. United States of America, Information Science Publishing