Unit 09- ICT & Curriculum

Information and Communications Technology commonly termed as ICT comes from the acronym IT and CT and refers to methods of storing, manipulating and communicating information.

Information Technology (IT), as defined by the Smart Computing Dictionary, is

"A general term used to describe any technology that helps to produce, manipulate, store, communicate, or disseminate information. IT refers to the most expensive, complex computers, with devices usually dealing with electronic data in binary format. However, these IT machines are not able to communicate with one another."

And, Communication Technology (CT) is "the term used to describe telecommunications equipment through which information can be sought and accessed". (New Zealand MOE, 1998). Examples include: video conferencing, teleconference phones, and modems.

Globally, educational systems are adopting new technologies to integrate ICT in the teaching and learning process, to prepare students with the knowledge and skills they need in their subject matter. In this way the teaching profession is evolving from teacher-centered to student-centered learning environments. "ICT integration is understood as the usage of technology seamlessly for educational processes like transacting curricular content and students working on technology to do authentic tasks" (Kainth and Kaur). Nowadays ICT facilitate not only the delivery of lessons but also the learning process itself. This includes computer based technologies, digital imaging, the internet, file servers, data storage devices, network infrastructure, desktops, laptops and broadcasting technologies namely radio and television, and telephone which are used as instructional tools at schools.

importance of integrating ICT in CBC

Transform Rwandan citizens into technology skilled human capital for the socioeconomic development of the nation.  Provide a solid foundation of technological understanding for learners to integrate into society and the world of work. 

Familiarise learners with the use of ICT tools and their impact of ICT in daily life. 

Familiarise learners with communication and research techniques by combining skills, attitudes and values.  Demonstrate communication, research, practical problem solving, observation, creativity and innovation in everyday life. 

Organise and manipulate information using common application software namely word processing, the internet, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, and multimedia. 

Manipulate spatial data using Geographical Information Systems. 

Develop computational thinking and logical reasoning through computer programming 
ICT contributes to a learner’s development of critical thinking, research and problem solving, creativity and innovation, communication and cooperation skills.

This will be achieved by conceptualising, analysing, synthesising, evaluating, manipulating and applying the role of various computing tools to appropriate contexts of real life, as well as analysing both hardware and software mechanisms.

Learners will be able to use ICT safely, securely and ethically, to manage computing tools, and to organise and present information using word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, Geographical Information Systems, graphics and multimedia and application software.
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Through ICT, learners will identify problems in information processing and conduct analysis by considering relevant functional, practical, human and socioeconomic factors. They will also draw up specifications for the ICT enabled solutions to problems. Learners will draw on a range of resources which are most suitable for solving problems and developing solutions and use appropriate methods to implement these solutions using equipment, tools and techniques sensibly.

They will test, evaluate and refine solutions systematically, document solutions to problems, and appropriately apply ICTs to solve problems