ICT Integration – A Breakthrough in Teaching

The rapid evolution of information and communication technology (ICT) is changing the face of education and making information universal. Realizing the effects of the ICT in the education system, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Education provided most of the schools with computer units and peripherals. Some of the teachers in these schools have undergone ICT trainings.

ICT has become an indispensable tool in enhancing the students’ learning capabilities. However, this new technology could not replace the teachers in the classroom. It is not a solution for all educational problems either (Wang & Woo, 2007). ICT is certainly an effective tool that enables us to link various learning communities together in new and different ways (Tailor, 2000). It provides great possibilities for effective communication between teachers and students in varying and innovative ways.

As agents of change, teachers provide knowledge and facilitate learning. Teachers who embrace ICT in teaching provide meaningful learning experiences to the students. In addition, habitual users of ICT look for opportunities to upgrade their ICT knowledge and skills, share their experiences, and create a culture of collaboration in order to assist each other. It is imperative that teachers are exceptional models in implementing the ICT integration program. They have to show that they are proficient users and teachers of ICT.

In the research that I conducted, teachers considered ICT as an effective teaching innovation, which may improve the teaching and learning process. Using ICT in classroom, helps motivate students to be attentive and participative. Teachers facilitate instruction without losing time and energy in achieving the learning outcomes. During interviews, teachers mentioned that their students showed active participation in the classroom discussions when they use computers and other multimedia.

ICT integration provides meaningful and productive learning experiences through student-centered classroom. Students demonstrated good academic performance in their lessons.

The teachers also commented that there are plenty of websites that have been created which can easily be downloaded for free. Internet sources are useful because teachers could easily access updated information in various websites. One could just simply “copy and paste” information provided sources are acknowledged. Varied and vast information are available in the web, which even the libraries cannot provide. The teachers further stated that the computers help to save time and effort in crafting lesson plans and selecting appropriate visual aids. They could also access or prepare PowerPoint presentations for their lessons.

Successful implementation on the use of ICT in teaching depends upon sufficient access to ICT tools and ICT-open-minded teachers. Strong linkages with non-government organizations and other stakeholders could help facilitate the integration of ICT in schools. It is important that schools fully implement ICT integration, to empower teachers in the classroom respond to the call of the K-to-12 global education standard.

By: Salley D. Moreno
      Bangcud National High School