What is ICT?
ICT stands for 'Information and communication technologies' and involves the use
of a wide range of technologies, including computers. ICT is taught as its own subject but is
embedded in all other subjects across the school curriculum.
Computer ICT includes:
- understanding how information
is structured in a database;
- skills in carrying out a
search on the World Wide Web with sensitivity to meaning, accuracy of data and
reliability of sources;
- understanding of how computers
can simulate real processes;
- skills in using software eg
word processing or e-mail to communicate effectively;
- understanding that ICT can be
used to control things;
- knowledge of how to use ICT
securely, with consideration of the feelings of other people, their rights to
privacy and ownership of material.
ICT is also used in all other
curriculum areas, for example:
- using DVDs or CD-ROMs as
sources of information
- micro-computers with keyboards
and other devices to teach literacy and writing;
- devices to facilitate
communication for pupils with special needs;
- electronic toys to develop
spatial awareness and psycho-motor control;
- video-conferencing
- internet-based research
Not all ICT learning
involves the use of computers:
For example, teachers might ask pupils to:
- sort real objects
into different categories as an introduction to databases;
- read a piece of
printed text in order to identify the key words that might characterise it and
help to retrieve it electronically if necessary;
- develop paper-based
models and simulations of situations;
- consider the use of
font sizes and print effects in newspapers and magazines as part of their work
with word processors;
- give each other
instructions as a way of teaching about precision and control.
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