Angel Filomi J

 

MYTH ABOUT ICT

 

Introduction

·        ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology.

     The term “information” refers to any communication or representation of knowledge such as facts, data, numerical, audiovisual forms.

·         ICT is defined as a “diverse set of technological tools and resources used to communicate and to create, store and manage information”.

Definition of MYTH

·        A widely held belief that is not true.

(Oxford dictionary).

·         A system of communication; a message; a mode of signification.

(Roland Barthes, 1957, Mythologies).

 Common MYTHs about ICT :

1. ICT is computers and internet.

2.  ICT is a monolithic entity.

3. ICT is a panacea for all ills in education.

4.  ICT can replace teachers and schools.

5.  Effects of ICT are definite.

Three significant of MYTHs

1.       MYTH 1 : Providing schools with ICT will improve quality of education.

2.       MYTH 2 : Students learn better and more with ICT because they are digital native.

3.       MYTH 3 : Information society people are better informed  because they have unlimited access to information.

Consequences of Mythical thinking of ICT

§  It feeds policymakers and practitioner ignorance,

§  It prevents scholars practitioners and policymakers from looking for the real educational problems,

§  It gives families the illusion of providing their children with the best possible education using ICT.

§  It can guide investment to a single angle forgetting important, even fundamental, areas.

§  It prevents complex and sound analyses and responses to today’s education problems, needs and challenges.

How do MYTHs operates?

1.  Myths can be productive tools.

2.  Many Myths have a darker side.

3.  Myths turn thoughts to false ideas or lead people in wrong direction’.

4.  Myths can easily become ideologies.

5.  Certain myths remove history.

6.  Myths are major factors behind inefficiency of institutions.

Four Perspectives

·         Boosters – Optimistic advocates of computers in education.

·         Doomsters – Predicted the end of the 150 years old model of schooling.

·         Anti-Schoolars – Dwelled on the problems.

·         Critics – Focused on the threats.

Conclusion

·         The essentials of learning matter much more than the novelties of technology.

·         We have to relook at what can can’t be accomplished with digital ICTs.

·         Relook at your own digital narratives. Are they adding to the existing myths or capturing the realities.

Submitted by:

Angel Filomi J 

20BDP03 

Department of physical science 

Section A

St. Ignatius college of education, palayamkottai.