Information and Communication Technologies

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is a term that includes all technologies for the manipulation and communication of information. The term is sometimes used in preference to Information Technology (IT), particularly in two communities: education and government^[1]. In the common usage it is often assumed that ICT is synonymous with IT;

Information and communication technologies (ICT) are the combination of computer technology, telecommunication technology and media. The growth and development of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has led to their wide diffusion and application, thus increasing their economic and social impact.

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are becoming increasingly important in education. New information technologies have opened up new potential in learning. ICTs need to be harnessed, e.g. to provide more widespread access to TVET. Yet in many parts of the world, the use of ICTs in TVET is yet very limited. Some of the issues that need to be addressed are capacity development, access and connectivity issues, and localisation, customisation and content development.

References

1. ^ http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/ict/

Links

• Information and Communication Technologies in Teacher Education (http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001295/129533e.pdf)A planning guide, UNESCO, 2002
• UNESCO - Communication and Information Resources (http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/ev.php-URL_ID=20790&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html)
• UNESCO - ICT in Education (http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/ev.php-URL_ID=2929&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html)
• OECD - Statistics on ICT in the world (http://www.oecd.org/topicstatsportal/0,3398,en_2825_495656_1_1_1_1_1,00.html)
• Re-engineering Education and Training for Economic and Social Development in the 21st Century: A Focus on Technology and Skills Development in National Education and Training Systems in Africa (http://gesci.org/assets/files/Knowledge%20Centre/GESCI_MRT_Issues_Paper_2011-05-18_Final_version.pdf) GESCI paper on Technical and Vocational Skills Development and ICT integration in Sub-Saharan Africa developed for Ministerial Roundtable discussions at e-Learning Africa 2011.
• Skills for Employability: The Role of Information & Communication Technologies (http://www.gesci.org/assets/files/Knowledge%20Centre/GESCI_Skills_Development_paper_May2011.pdf) GESCI paper on challenges and interventions within the field of Skills Development and how ICT can be used to address issues of quality, access and equity in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Category:ICTs in TVET