Educational Technology 2: Lesson 9 : Computers as Information and Communication Technology

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

The third, the invention of computer, especially so with the advent of the microcomputer in 1975.Thus emerged computer technology in education

Through computer technology, educators saw the amplification of learning along computer literacy.
Much like reading, the modern student can now interact with computer messages, even respond to questions or to computer commands. Again like writing, the learner can form messages using computer language program.
Soon computer assisted instruction (CAI) was introduced using the principle of individualized learning through a positive climate that includes realism and appeal with drill exercises that uses color, music and animation.

Image result for computer assisted instruction

Computer assisted instruction (CAI) was introduced using the principle of individualized learning through a positive climate that includes realism and appeal with drill exercise that uses color, music and animation. The novelty of CAI has not waned to this offered by computer-equipped private schools. But the evolving pace of innovation in today’s Information Age is so dynamic that within the first decade of the 21st century, computer technology in education has matured to transform into an educative information and communication technology (ICT) in education.

The Personal Computer (PC) as ICT

Until the nineties, it was still possible to distinguish between instructional media and the 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, educationaers using the print, film radio, and television or satellite means of communication. For example, distance learning were implemented using correspondence, radio, television or the computer satellite system

Close to the turn of the 21st century however, such a distinction merge owing to the advert of the microprocessor, also known as the personal computer (PC). This is due to the fact that the PC user at home, office and school has before him a tool for both audio-visual creations and media communication.

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, report, etc.