The Role of Information Communication Technology in Education

Introduction

Providing the quality education is the top priorities of the universities especially in developed countries. The administrators and teachers believe that the traditional teaching is never been the same in the new generation of learners. This idea gives rise to the idea that the education should be a subject in development. Unlike the development in curriculum, the system that the pedagogical settings are attempting to build is the use of computers in teaching.

Background and Problem Statement

The introduction of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in schools is proposed to change the learning and teaching techniques in the schools. The reality-based type of teaching promotes the learning of both teachers and students in which they can use in the future. Since the areas of education is evolving based on the needs and preferences of the students it is appropriate for the schools to turn in the teaching and learning technique through the ICT? Aside from the learning and teaching strategies that can be gained in the application of ICT, what is the role of ICT in the entire education and building the confidence among the students?

Research Aims and Objectives

The main aim of the study is to investigate the role of ICT in education. In order to gain the necessary information regarding the topic, there are four objectives that should be considered. First is to determine the level of understanding of the teachers and the students regarding the application of the ICT among the schools. Second is to identify the impact of ICT in teaching proficiency and the effectiveness of it in learning by reviewing the pedagogical settings that uses the principles of ICT. Third is to recognize the perception of the students in terms of innovative teaching. And lastly is to identify the constraints or barriers that might affect the successful implementation of ICT in education.

Literature Review

Generally, young people of today are aware about the importance and uses of computers. At an early age, a child can learn to use the computers and his experience in using the technology might be continued until he reached the university level (Loveless & Dore, 2002). However, many educators argued that the use of ICT in teaching is a crucial resource. This is true upon the comparison between the developed and developing countries as based on their educational level. For example, New Zealand identified the potential in ICT application and therefore the government has identified a number of success factors for local economic development. Due to economies of scale and scope, central government can reduce transaction costs and add value by acting as a catalyst and facilitator for the formation of economic development networks for capability building and for ensuring the provision of quality information. This includes the strong Internet access and ICT penetration, and electronic commerce which make New Zealand to be a country with very high rate of engagement with new technology (Toland & Yoong, 2005). However, when these facts are compared to the educational level of South Africa and other African countries, the education seems to be less important because of the high position of economic and political depression due mainly in part on the imposition of the foreign model. In addition, there is a slow pace of development in Africa like the means of communication were not constructed as traced back in colonial period. The colonization has negative effects in the country which affects the economic and political lives of the people. Faced with problems such as poverty, poor infrastructure with regards to electricity and telephone lines as well as low education levels and computer skills, the South African government decided on focusing the ICT in education. However, the plan is not that strong unlike the other countries (Langmia, 2006).

Methodology

The applied method in the study is the use survey and interview. In the survey, the students will be the participants and will answer a questionnaire in a Likert Scale form. Through that, the researcher/s will determine the openness of the students as well as the perceived outcome in the application of ICT in education. On the other hand, the interview will be held among the group of the teachers and will be asked about the activities that might involve in teaching through the use of ICT. The answers of the educators will be the basis of the study is the ICT is an answer in achieving the quality education or it is just another burden and workload for the educators. Both results will be analyzed and at the end, the role of the ICT in education will be assessed and concluded.

References:

Langmia, K., (2006) The Role of ICT in the Economic Development of Africa: the Case of South Africa, International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology, 2(4):144+

Loveless, A., & Dore, B., (Eds.) (2002) ICT in the Primary School, Open University Press, Philadelphia

Toland, J., & Yoong, P., (2005) Learning Regions in New Zealand: the Role of ICT, International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology, 1(4):54+

Information Technology

Section 1.0. The economically powerful can afford computers that enable them to make the necessary things while others cannot.

There has been a huge technological revolution going on for the past decades since the birth of computers. Its onset gave way to previous unimaginable ideas that majority of us appreciate today. Despite its success, only a handful has access to its advantages, especially those who are rather economically ahead.

It has become evident that a “digital divide” had developed between the rich and poor countries. It is a missing link to all economic and social efforts. This missing link would have given way to great opportunities such as electronic commerce, electronic democracy and online participation, telecenters, and many more others.

So how did we reach to that certain point? How did these rich countries get to do more than most of us? To support this claim, there are implications.

Countries like the US and Japan could always put extra efforts into research. Why? Because they are powerful. In what aspect? Economics. It keeps our world turning. Like in our simple lives, you could always afford anything if you have the money.

Since rich countries have high revenue or turnover, they could always (1.1)provide research into further developments. Developments that make them far more advance in technology. These developments, (1.2)gives them more chances of product output.

Economic issues have since improved well for developed countries, (1.3)giving them more chances of business and trade with other developed countries as well. These countries have shown (1.4)commitment by granting the favorable terms of trade and open its markets by increasing financial flows on favorable terms. The developing countries also have (1.5)strengthened their competitiveness and have encouraged a greater public administration and democracy.

Although rich countries have more technological advancements than the poor ones, doesn’t mean they are better off. It is because this way, they (1.6)get to promote beneficial exchanges amongst countries which gives way to healthy a healthy trade and industry.

There must be a bridge in social and economic gaps that divided the world and to halt the marginalization of the developing world. By bridging the gap, there will be an acceleration of economic growth and increase of agricultural and industrial productivity.

Section 2.0. The discussion of provisions and easy access to ICT in economically powerful nations.

(2.1)Information and Communications Technology serves as the vital engine of growth for the world economy. Because of ICT, (2.2)there has been an increase of employment of capital and labor; (2.3)improvement of efficiency of works via the reengineering and restructuring of productive systems; (2.4)stimulations of healthy competition, promoting the enhanced productivity and to sustain economic growth and jobs; and increase of investments and increase of a certain country’s total factor productivity (TFP);

Many enterprising individuals, firms and communities all over the world, enable them to address economic and social challenges with greater efficiency and imagination. Thus giving way to the development of high-technology gadgets and computer parts increases the demands of the people worldwide thus, promises an increase of income.

In terms of businesses, the company’s products profile can be seen worldwide and so, different customers will appreciate it and then purchase it.

Section 3.0. The effects on poorer nation’s uninvolvement in Information and Communications Technology:

This is just exactly the opposite of what happens in Section 1. (3.1)Poor countries experience “knowledge gap”. Because they don’t have sufficient technology, they are not updated with current technologies that are currently in use. Actually, this is comparable to a chain reaction.

Having a knowledge gap thus leads to (3.2)a low productivity and (3.3)low quality of products, services and work performance.

Because poor countries are (3.4)always behind in terms of technologies used by the developed countries, they (3.5)lack in infrastructures, funding in human and institutional capacities; (3.6)lack in business connections, and (3.7)no possibility for the expansion of a business in another countries.

Also, products coming from poor countries, though competent, are always (3.8)discriminated for the technology on how it was made. Buyers are always particular about that.

The disadvantages of having poor products are almost, always, associated to (3.9)incompetent education of poor countries.

Section 4.0. Improvements of learning and teaching in using ICT.

There is growing enthusiasm in the educational development due to the integration of ICT. Information Technology is the driving force for a new techno-economic society. However, countries, at all levels of development must stay updated of the information revolution. It is important for countries in eliminating poverty, enhancing competitiveness, improving public sector management, participating in global trade and production, and promoting. But how? The first step is through education.

Through ICT, (4.1)students are able to engage in a higher-order of thinking; (4.2)there is an effective management of digital instructions which ensures the smoothness and the easiness of retrieving the files of resources; (4.3)instead of analytic study of single learning and instructional variables, it shifted to a whole configuration of events, activities, contents and interpersonal processes; and (4.4)there has been an emergence of web-based instructional delivery that is rapidly expanding the continuum of learning environments, especially the blended courses that include both campus-based and online components.

ICT, also lets students to (4.5)study distant education through getting online courses. Through the use of ICT, the information or knowledge dissemination which is the lecture and slide shows equivalent is the Web Page or the use of Powerpoint presentations. It (4.6)shows flexibility in the part of the students.

E-mail or chatting, the equivalent is the discussion or debate in the class. It can be a one in one talks or group discussion or problem solving. Practical or fieldwork the equivalent is laboratory, workshop exercise or field trip. ICT also provides films needed for a certain project or hands-on activity through simulations. It provides a multitude of ways computer power that can speed up testing, for both formative and summative feedback to learners. The posting of other students of their case studies or projects through the Web can also be considered as resources for a student’s study just avoid plagiarism.

Getting Started with ICT Blended Learning: Saunders; Academic Exchange Quarterly; 2003 (December 22); viewed 02 September, 2006; .

Section 5.0. The problems encountered in teaching and learning in having ICT in rich countries.

Despite the great ideals of ICT, it had proven some set backs over the years. Since students find the task easy, they will just simply (5.1)browse the net and then just copy the instructions given in there. It makes them become dependent and lazy.

The (5.2)student-teacher relationship was decreasing. If the students had problems instead of sharing it to the teacher they will just keep it which lessens the interaction between the two.

Another problem was the trends in (5.3)inventing different kind of products because of the methods and procedures posted and given in the Internet which they said are useful but the truth is it is very risky and dangerous. Some inventions specifically in terms of primary ICT which includes electricity can (5.4)cause death to humans if it is not properly installed.

Section 6.0. The ways in which the poor nations coping up knowing that there are also mistakes in learning ICT.

Aside from the disadvantages that ICT pose for most, poor nations also think that there are certain mistakes in acquiring knowledge through ICT.

Poor countries believe that ICT technology and knowledge was (6.1)the key to the elimination of poverty and to enhance the economic development. They are determined in (6.2)increasing the training and knowledge through the use of ICT. They see to it that there will be an (6.3)increase in communication links to enable new technologies used for the organization's advantage. They (6.4)engage themselves in business enhancements like the upgrading of their computers or machineries in order to produce a higher quality output and performance. They are (6.5)accepting more investments, since they believe that investment plays an important role in manufacturing business.

All this, make them think that although, there are mistakes in learning ICT from other countries there are still solutions and ways to correct it.

Economic and Social Policy: United Nation Press Release; 2001 (July 03); viewed 02 September, 2006; .

Section 7.0. These are the different ICT policies of some rich nations.

Here are some policies that rich countries implement to further develop ICT: (7.1)The Civil Society, the policies that allow ISPs to multiply on the market can result in a decrease in the cost of Internet access, making email accounts affordable to local NGOs and other community groups. This increases the efficiency and networking ability of these groups helping their work reaches their target populations. (7.2)Underserved Communities, the policies that addresses interconnection between land and cellular phone lines, good spectrum management, and free market competition often result in an expansion of cellular phone service at affordable prices. (7.3)Community Radio, the policies that address the allocation of the radio spectrum to include community radio stations can mean an increased number and range of locally run and owned radio, a prime method of communication with rural, largely illiterate communities. (7.4)Increase Access to Local Government and Improve Government Efficiency, a coherent e- government policy can help local municipalities “get online”, improving their management and communications ability and their accountability to the local citizens. (7.5)Economic Growth and Trade, a clear regulation concerning copyright, intellectual property rights and cyber crime help local ICT industries compete. Vague or no regulations can allow countries to become targets for unscrupulous practices that may not even be taking place within the country itself. (7.6)Effective integration of ICT in education, health, and other social sectors, a policy for ICT in education projects to be sustainable and scaled to national level initiatives, it is essential for governments to develop appropriate policies, to address curriculum reforms and to address budgetary issues associated with the deployment, maintenance, replacement and TCO of computer systems in schools, universities and other educational institutions.

ICT Policy and Sustainability: Experience from the dot-GOV Program; Business Reviews; 2006 (June 23); viewed 02 September, 2006; .

REFERENCE

Developing Research Models for ITC-based Pedagogy: Kennewell; 2004 (May 12); www.google.com; 02/09/2006; http://www.crpit.com.

Activity for the World Summit on the Information Society: Business Wire; 2005 (June 14); viewed 02 September, 2006; .

Information and Communication Technologies: Student’s engagement in higher-order thinking: Tay; Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia; 2003 (December 22); viewed 02 September, 2006; .

Economic and Social Policy: United Nation Press Release; 2001 (July 03); viewed 02 September, 2006; .

ICT Policy and Sustainability: Experience from the dot-GOV Program; Business Reviews; 2006 (June 23); viewed 02 September, 2006; .

The Role of Information and Communication in Economic Development: A Partial Survey: Bedi; Discussion Papers on Development Policy; 1999 (May); viewed 02 September, 2006; .

Information and Communication Technologies and the Network Organization: A Critical Study: Symon; Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology; 2000 (December 01); viewed 02 September, 2006; .

Getting Started with ICT Blended Learning: Saunders; Academic Exchange Quarterly; 2003 (December 22); viewed 02 September, 2006; .

Wi-Fi and Home Security

Introduction

Technologies are all around us. Its introduction gave way the people its freedom to access and communicates to different people at home or in the business. The wireless network created a different dimension of reaching the things in just one click. But in just a click, the danger can also be produced. The recognized danger created the disadvantage perspectives for most of the users and the difficulty to prevent some system attacks bound different providers to craft an adequate solution.

Background of the Study and Problem Statement

Wireless networking is under the standard that suits the Wi-Fi technology which is also the most common device for both home and businesses (Cunningham and Grout, 2008). The communication devices plays vital role and this is not an exemption in the presence of any threats. In the continued use of the Wi-Fi services and technologies, what are the security measures that can be implemented?

Research Objectives

The objectives of the study are firstly focused on the security measures that can be applied in the protection of the technologies from the unwanted misuse of the technology features. Secondly is the adaptation of the basic security or restricted access to the wireless networks. And thirdly is to employ further studies on software that will lead to the more detailed information regarding the security mechanisms. All of the incorporated enclosed in the study are assumed to promote the continuous development of various security measures.

Research Questions

The study provided several questions that will help the entire research in determining the security measures in the wireless networks

· What are the features of an ideal security to the wireless networks?

· What are reactions of the people in the services offered by the security features?

· Is the application of the security measures is effective in terms of protection?

Literature Review

Wireless networks are unprotected and leaving users vulnerable to identity theft and loss of irreplaceable documents (McAfee Inc., 2005). The threats in the networks technologies became popular and addressing the security measures in the Wi-Fi networks. Securities are a very vital issue in the field of information technology and processing (Fordham and Roof, 2008). The residential and business have an increasing demand for the wireless networking and along the way, this contributes to the need for security that is commonly large depending on the number of access points. The extensive work of the networks results to the traffic of information and service utilization. In this case, the capability of the network to deploy the information in different wireless settings is also in the matter of security. Basically, the security is applied to the users of the wireless networks and it is difficult to cover the large demographic areas. Considering the deployment of security on home and business, there should be a certain security mechanism in attempt to derive the correlations between the density and grouping of the access points. In the employment of the wireless networks, it can be assumes that Wi-Fi is commonly put in place to provide ease of access from various locations around the home, rather than because it is easier to network a number of computer systems together (Cunningham and Grout, 2008). The idea of network security can provide the industry of wireless communication the standard and automatic protection against the data theft and unauthorized network access. In addition, the encryption can close the personal information of the users thus protecting the identity of the personal users and financial information for the business. The anti-virus and firewall software is a comprehensive idea for protection as well as the automatic detection of the internal threats (McAfee Inc., 2005).

Research Method

The applied method in the study is the case study review method. Through this method the expected results can be achieved. The review method allows the study to examine the applied security measures on the wireless networks. In the further analysis, the security services can be determined and answer the main problem within the wireless networks.

Expected Results

There is an enormous growing number of people using the wireless networks and being aware about the need for security. As the result, there is a more effective protection in employing a combination of security technique is advisable such as the idea of filtering and encryption.

Schedule of Activities

The scheduled encryption can be dome as the rotation of activities to prevent the attacks of the intruders in the system. Many organizations experienced the acts of hacking in most their private files and the home networks are experiencing the crashing of their systems due to different threats, such as unwanted programs or illegal use of the identity of the other person.

References:

Cunningham, S., & Grout, V., 2008. Peace Driving: Case Studies of Wi-Fi Usage. [Online] Available at: http://www.glyndwr.ac.uk/cunninghams/research/SEIN_wifi.pdf. [Accessed 05 Feb 2010].

Fordham, D., & Roof, B., 2008. Test Your Information Security IQ. Journal of Accountancy, Vol. 206, No. 1.

McAfee Inc., 2005. McAfee Wireless Home Network Security: Proven Security that Protects your Home Wi-Fi Network. Data Sheet of Consumers Security Solutions. [Online] Available at: http://download.mcafee.com/products/manuals/en-us/MWL_DataSheet_2006.pdf. [Accessed 05 Feb 2010].

Low Cost Touchscreen White-Board

Introduction

Technology never ceases to introduce something new in the hands of people. Same as the people never ceases to seek for additional innovation that might help them in doing their everyday duties. Technologies and man are in partners. And as the growing demand of people in technologies, there is also a relative growing impact of technology in people’s lives.

Background of the Study and Problem Statement

From the various type of software such as multimedia tools animation programs, graphics and images, presentation programs, instructional software and others, to the hardware, such as computers desktops, mini-laptops, CD-R systems, VCRS, etc. it is truly amazing that in the hi-tech digital world, innovation is in the position to control the people (Multimedia Source Guide, 1995). As the continuous flow of knowledge and room for improvement, the technology never fails to make remarkable changes. Today, there is another innovation that starting to make a difference, the Low-Cost Touchscreen White Board. As part of the study, the main topic is focus on the knowledge as well as making the Touchscreen White Board in a low cost.

Research Objectives

The study recognizes the three main objectives that plays essential role in the completion of the paper. First objective is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the new technology to understand if there is any area that needs to be developed. Second is to learn the main objectives of its existence and third is to establish an idea where the study can serve as guidance for other researchers.

Research Questions

In the completion of the study, there is a need of well-defined questions that can give adequate answers.

1. What are the issues about the project of the Low Cost Touchscreen White Board?

2. What are the implemented actions of the engineers that are essential in its completion?

3. Aside from the recognized benefits of the newly introduced technology, what are the other functions of the Low Cost Touchscreen White Board?

Literature Review

As computers and software become more powerful and the area of their application expands, the traditional mouse and keyboard become more restrictive. Many different devices have been developed to increase Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and this development continues today. The most commonplace Human Computer Interactive device on the commercial market today is the Touch Screen (Johannessen, 2001). Most of the application of the Touch Screen drives different force between the interaction of human and technology, particularly in computers. There are various methods or applications that are needed for the protection of the technology. The use of the touch screen serves as a replacement of the mouse that effectively works during meetings of the corporate or during the presentation of the lecture. A high-resolution color touch screen has two output ports and an IrDA port. They both have rechargeable batteries making them portable. They can also be powered through a USB connection for a PC or via a power supply (Eskicioglu and Kopec, 2003; Denby and Campbell, 2005).

Methodology

The applied methodology is based on the past studies of the professionals which is called the case study analysis and the use of the interview among the professionals who experiences using the Low Cost Touchscreen White Board. First, the case studies as well as the past literatures will help the study learn the gaps of the technological innovation and the hardships of the engineers or proprietors in the completion of the project. Second, the interview will serve as reflection of the consumers in using the new technology. Through the conducted interview, the study will create an analysis and conclusion about it effectiveness.

Conclusion

The use of the touchscreen in the business and educational environment is extremely a great help. The people who participated in the creation of another technology deserve to be recognized and should not be afraid in the coming future agendas. Clearly, the low cost offers of the manufacturing companies are seeking effectiveness and loss in the market. Since they offer double-sided face of technology, there is a great potential to receive double-sided outcomes. And if there were identified shortcoming, it will definitely serve as another challenge on the part of the engineers.

References:

Denby, D., & Campbell, B., 2005. ICT in Support of Science Education, A Practical User’s Guide. [Online] Available at: http://www.leggott.ac.uk/pdf_word/awards/ICTinSupport.pdf. [Accessed 09 Feb 2010].

Eskicioglu, A., & Kopec, D., 2003. The Ideal Multimedia-Enabled Classroom: Perspectives from Psychology, Education, and Information Science. Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia, Vol. 12, No. 2.

Johannesen, B., 2001. Low Cost Scanning Laser Rangefinder. [Online] Available at: http://innovexpo.itee.uq.edu.au/2001/projects/s348491/thesis.pdf. [Accessed 09 Feb 2010].

Multimedia Source Guide, 1995. THE Journal, Vol. 22, No. 10.