The Role of ICT in Education
There is a constant demand from schools for our donated computers. This is not simply because ICT literacy creates employment opportunities, but also because ICT is recognised as an important educational aid in itself.
A report by one of our long standing partner organisations, Computers For Schools Kenya, concluded that although ICT is never a substitute for teacher-to-pupil interaction, its use has demonstrable beneficial effects on student learning, motivation and ultimately on student achievement across a diverse range of subjects. Below is a brief summary of the report’s results:
Effects on Engagement and Motivation.
Children are mesmerised by computers which seem to be able to hold their attention. When this is used effectively in the classroom ICT can encourage children to not only study the curriculum, but to independently explore beyond it. ICT can complement existing teaching methods. The report has discovered a strong correlation between teachers who have utilised ICT as an educational tool and an increase in student interest and concentration. This was particularly evident in higher grades.
Effects on Learning.
The use of digital content allows teachers to demonstrate difficult concepts in a visual format. Students are able to learn by seeing, rather than simply hearing. This reduces the time taken by pupils to grasp new material by between 40 – 60 percent. It has also been shown that when ICT is incorporated into traditional teaching methods, students typically retain twice as much information. This is because students can review the material as many times as necessary and progress at their own pace, allowing them to consolidate new concepts as they learn.
One donated Pentium 4, or equivalent PC, will provide over 6,000 hours of computer access time (spread over 3 years). This is enough time to train 60 children to a vocational level of IT literacy.
Chilean children in a nursery in Santiago, using Computer Aid donated PC's.
