CHAPTER 2: OPERATIONALISATION OF THE KEY CONCEPTS AND
2.2 DEFINITIONS AND CONTEXTUALISATION OF CONCEPTS AND CONSTRUCTS
2.2.3 Information Communication Technology
Information and communication technology (ICT) is an extended term for information technology (IT) which emphasises the role of integrated communications and the incorporation of telecommunications, computers, essential software, which permit users to access, store, communicate, and manipulate information (Girish &
Sureshkumar, 2017). The concept ICT refers to the linking of audio-visual and telephone networks with computer networks through a link system. Nonetheless, ICT concepts, approaches and applications are continuously developing on a daily basis (Brown, Thomas, van der Merwe & van Dyk, 2008). The scope of ICT includes any
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product that will keep, retrieve, manipulate, transmit or accept information by electronic means in a digital practice e.g. personal computers, email and other modern applications. The last few decades have experienced an impressive growth in the field of ICT in education, which has also somehow influenced the life of people, particularly students. The technology is visibly present in the use of computers, smart phones, information search, robotics and intellectual means (Nour, 2002). This progress has permitted to get rapid access to any essential information. In the field of education, ICT is being used to improve quality and value of education particularly through integration. Technology is playing a great part in universal access to information, the delivery of quality learning and teaching, academics’ professional development and education management, governance and administration.
2.2.3.1 Information Communication Technology and Information Systems
Information and communication technology is often used as an extended synonym for information technology (IT), but is a more precise term that stresses the role of integrated communications and the incorporation of telecommunications, computers as well as essential software, storage, and audio-visual systems, which permit users to access, store, communicate, and manipulate information. The concept ICT is now also used to refer to the convergence of audio-visual and telephone networks with computer networks through a single cabling or wireless system (Yekini, 2014). The term infocommunications is used in some circumstances as a shorter form of information and communication(s) technology. Infocommunications is the development of telecommunications with the purpose of information processing and content handling on a digital technology setting.
Information technology is the application of computers and telecommunications equipment to store, retrieve, communicate and manipulate data. The term is generally used as a synonym for computers and computer networks, but it also comprises other information distribution technologies such as television and telephones. Trucano (2010) regards ICT as a powerful collection of elements which include computer hardware, software, telecommunication networks, workstations, robotics and smart chips, which is also at the root of information systems.
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2.2.3.2 Information Communication Technology Literacy
Since students are regarded as an information society, they are expected to be ICT literate. The ICT literacy entails the following aspects:
a) Awareness: As one studies computers, one becomes aware of their significance, resourcefulness, pervasiveness, and their potential for positive and negative effects in our society.
b) Knowledge: One will learn what computers are and how they work. This entails learning some technical terminologies that will help to deal with the computer and with people that work with computers.
c) Interaction: Which involves learning to use a computer to perform some basic tasks or applications.
2.2.3.3 Integration of technology in higher education
Since there has been a rapid growth of students registered for higher education (Moloi, Mkwanazi, & Bojabotseha, 2014; Luescher, 2016), attention should not only be focused on establishing more colleges and university, along with that effort primarily should also be in quality and making student to understand the subjects and concepts in an improved way by using technology and information in the process of teaching and learning. Technologies encompasses many technologies for locating, gathering, and effective way of spreading information. This includes the internet, wireless technology, mobiles and other communication applications which includes audio and videos (Girish & Sureshkumar, 2017). The internet has completely transformed and improved the field of education. According to psychology, research outcome shows that the trend of gaining knowledge and information in higher education has changed (Rana & Shahriar, 2015).
After knowing genuine truths of ICT, the academic communities have accepted the use and implementation of ICT in higher education. Information and communication technology is basically the use of technology and provide a basic idea on how to use the technology and gives idea where it can be applied also helps to analyses impact of that technology in classroom (Habib, 2017:2811). This technology is all about how the teacher and student communicate with each other, inquire about doubts, helps in making decisions and provides a proper road map to understand and solve particular
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problems. This cannot only be applied in a classroom but can also be used in daily life.
2.2.3.4 The potential benefits of ICT for students
Information and communication technology affords an extensive benefit in supporting learning. Students become active and independent through the use of technology in learning. By having access to the internet at universities, students do not totally depend on their lecturers. Self-managed learning permits the students to be self- motivated and self-directed students who will be able to respond to the rapid change of information. The use of blogs, for example, can afford academics and students to be very acquainted to the issues and discussion in their fields. Technology also offers ways for dynamic and cooperative learning. By using the internet learning is not limited to the specific lectures, and our geographical locations. Students access the internet anytime and anywhere. As indicated by Uhomoibhi (2006:9), e-learning allows the students to get information quicker regardless of time and space. Information and communication technology also allows collaboration between students and scholars from various institutions of higher learning.