The emergence and development of new technologies related to information and communication (ICT) It has meant a revolution both in the way we interact with the people and agents around us. Such has been the scope of this revolution that its influence on the educational environment was inevitable.
Throughout this article we will analyze the advantages or benefits of using ICT in the field of education as well as the precautions or possible obstacles that may be found in its use.
The use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in academic and school contexts has increased significantly over the last 10 years, especially in those countries and societies that have more alternative and innovative study plans..
Thanks to the school implementation of these new technologies, the way in which current education is carried out has experienced a revolution, since ICT can favor the enrichment, complementation, enrichment and, consequently, the transformation of an entire system. educational.
Due to the multiple benefits that ICT can bring to education, currently Countless educational projects are being developed to promote its use Furthermore, taking into account the way in which these technologies increasingly coexist with people, it is very useful for academic environments and schools to integrate this new digital culture.
Furthermore, ICTs offer the possibility of building a large base of very varied content and knowledge, which can be shared online and adjusted to the demands, needs and interests of each of the students Creating databases of information that students can use whenever they want.
However, it will be necessary to adapt these technologies so that they can be used to the maximum as a pedagogical tool. For example, with the creation of virtual learning communities in which students have an active role in their own teaching.
Finally, the use of new technologies is a practically intrinsic habit of the new generations, so including them in the daily life of the school turns this environment into a context that is in tune with the tastes and hobbies of the youngest students
9 benefits of ICT in education
In addition to being a useful tool for teachers in terms of searching and presenting information, ICT have turned out to be extremely beneficial for the learning and motivation processes of students
Below are the 9 main benefits of the application of new technologies to the academic and school world:
1. Potential increase in interest in certain subjects
There are certain subjects that tend to arouse less interest in students than others. This fact can cause some frustration in teachers, who sometimes run out of resources to awaken this fascination in students.
Nevertheless, thanks to tools such as animations, videos or multimedia exercises students can see their interest increased with the consequent positive repercussions that this entails.
2. Increased motivation
As mentioned previously, in new generations the use of new technologies is the order of the day, so those areas in which they do not find them can be demotivating.
Therefore, the use of ICT in schools can mean an increase in motivation, since It offers a way of learning in tune with your habits and hobbies The use of digital tools can be a new way of learning in an attractive, simple and fun way.
3. Facilitates communication
Thanks to new technologies, communication between students and teacher can be much easier and more accessible. Traditionally, the student has played a passive role in this sense; However, thanks to the possibilities offered by chats or emails, they can be useful for resolving doubts, sharing ideas and content, etc.
4. Encourage cooperation
New technologies can provide a common digital space that promotes cooperation not only between students as a tool to work in groups, but also so that the teaching staff can share knowledge, experiences and cooperate with each other.
5. Interactivity
A large number of studies carried out in the school environment have shown that interactivity between students enhances learning processes. Therefore, if we use ICT as another tool for communication and exchange of ideas between students we will encourage reflection processes
6. Greater autonomy
Due to the wide range of information that can be obtained with the implementation of ICT in schools, students may be able to choose and decide which topics or subjects they are most curious about and increase this content. by searching and selecting information
This means greater decision-making capacity and the enhancement of student autonomy.
7. Continuous intellectual activity
All the advantages or benefits described above have a direct consequence of the continuous intellectual activity of students. That is, ICT enhances continuous and conscious thinking, as well as cognitive development.
In addition and as a consequence of all the above, the good use of ICT encourages the development of creativity and initiative taking since students develop new skills that allow them to learn on their own.
9. Allows digital and audiovisual literacy
Through the use of ICT itself, learning and the development of the skills necessary to function in the new digital era in which we are entering are promoted.
Precautions to consider
However, like most teaching methods or dynamics that are in the process of testing and implementation, Ignorance of the proper use of ICT can lead to a series of inconveniences In order to avoid them in time and correct them, it will be necessary for both the teaching staff and the students to receive special preparation that serves as a behavioral guide when using ICT.
