Computer as Information and Communication Technology

                          

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

                       Through the technology, educators saw the amplification of learning literacy. Much like reading, the modern student can now interact with computer messages; even respond to question or to computer commands. Again like writing, the learner can form messages using computer language or programs.                                                                     

                         Soon 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 21^st century, computer technology in education has matured to transform into an educative information and communication technology (ICT) in education.

THE PC             Communication media                          Audiovisual media                   (Internet)                                                (Multimedia)                       Email (text and video)                            Text, sound, graphics                      Chat rooms                                              chart, photos                              Blog sites                                                 Power-point presentation                           News services (print, video clip)                     CD, VCD, DVD player                         Music/movie/television room                         CDVCD, DVD player                                                                                     Educational software                                                                                    (Internet)                                                                                     Educational websites                                                                                              Software’s , courseware’s                                                                                                  School registration/ records                                                                                    Accounting

                             FIGURE 6 – USES OF THE COMPUTER AS 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, educational communication media comprise the media communication to audiences including learners using the print, film radio, and television or satellite means of communication.

                  Close to the turn of the 21^st century, however, such as distinction merged owing to the advent 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, reports etc.      

            

Power-point- for preparing lecture presentations

 Excel- for spreadsheet and similar graphic sheets                 
                          

•  Internet–access to the Internet                              

            

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

•  Adobe reader- Graph/photo composition and editing                              

•  MSN- mail/chat messaging
                                         

•  Cyber link power- DVD player
  
                                  

•  Windows media player- Editing film/video
  
  

• Game house- video games

            Reflection:

              

             As a student, Computer is a great tool and an aid in learning. Through the Computer, it helps me to get data/information needed for my projects or assignments. It also helps me  to learned on my own from the news, articles, and photos I searched or browsed in the Computer.

             I can also communicate with my friends, classmates and even teachers trough the Computer. I can say that Computers nowadays is a source of information and a great tool for communication.