A Perspective on Information and Communication Technologies - Dissertation Example

Increasing complexities, combined with the availability of technology to tackle them, are the milestones of technological progress requiring all sections of society to keep pace. The academic world is no exception. Information society has been defined as ‘a society in which the creation, distribution, and manipulation of information has become the most significant economic and cultural activity’ (UK National Inventory Project, 2000). To meet demands of the information society a number of initiatives have to be taken to ensure that the new generations are prepared to meet its challenges.

The associated changes in the way in which knowledge is produced and used are of key relevance to higher education in the twenty-first century (Gibbons, 1998). Through an appreciation of historical and contemporary literature key impact areas are identified in relation to their effect on students, their teachers and the quality of education imparted. These key areas are then evaluated to determine the relative importance of each. Using the reported experience of two schools that have incorporated ICT into their education systems, assessment of the actual experience and impacts felt is made and compared with the impact areas identified.

This is done with the objective of giving substance to the recommended steps for deriving maximum benefit from the positive impacts of ICT in education. The term ICT is quite broadly used and covers all aspects of computers, networks (including the Internet) and other devices the important thing is to understand what the technology can do, not how it works. Making a distinction between devices on the basis of technology employed is futile as digital technology pervades more and more areas of our lives every day (TTA, 1998).