#01: ICT
Definition#1: ICT (information and communications technology - or technologies) is an umbrella term that includes any communication device or application, encompassing: radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and so on, as well as the various services and applications associated with them, such as videoconferencing and distance learning.
Definition#2: In the United Kingdom, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a subject in education, and a part of the National Curriculum. Other countries, such as Norway and the Philippines, also have ICT as an educational subject. In South Australia, ICT is not a subject until the final two years of schooling. From pre-school to Year 10 ICT is interwoven throughout the curriculum as part of the Essential Learning of Communication.
The ICT programme in the United Kingdom is co-ordinated by Becta. A major current initiative is the Curriculum Online scheme which is aimed to accelerate the uptake of technology amongst schools. Becta took over the running of this scheme from the Department for Education and Skills in 2005. Becta works closely with the Joint Information Systems Committee to develop strategy.
ICT has also enabled learning through multiple intelligence as ICT has introduced learning through simulation games; this enables active learning through all senses.
Many schools have specialist school status in technology and, more recently, in maths and computing, and these schools champion the use of ICT to enhance teaching and learning.
DA-IICT (established in 2003) was the first university in India to offer an undergraduate engineering degree in ICT (B.Tech, ICT), the emphasis on ICT in its curriculum apparent from the last three letters in its name.
#02: Project-based learning (PBL)
In Project-Based Learning, students have a great deal of control of the project they will work on and what they will do in the project. The project may or may not address a specific problem.
Project-based learning is learner centered. Students have a significant voice in selecting the content areas and nature of the projects that they do. There is considerable focus on students understanding what it is they are doing, why it is important, and how they will be assessed. Indeed, students may help to set some of the goals over which they will be assessed and how they will be assessed over these goals. All of these learner-centered characteristics of PBL contribute to learner motivation and active engagement. A high level of intrinsic motivation and active engagement are essential to the success of a PBL lesson.
There are some differences between Project-based learning, Problem-based learning as well as Inquiry-based learning (Johnson & Lamb 2007):
Project-based Learning
An approach to learning focusing on developing a product or creation. The project may or may not be student-centered, problem-based, or inquiry-based.
Problem-based Learning
An approach to learning focusing on the process of solving a problem and acquiring knowledge. The approach is also inquiry-based when students are active in creating the problem.
Inquiry-based Learning
A student-centered, active learning approach focusing on questioning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. It's associated with the idea "involve me and I understand."
The "Best" Approach
The best approach is the one that works for you in your classroom. Many teachers have chosen to blend these approaches together.
Reference:
Johnson, L. & Lamb, A. (2007) Problem-Based Learning and Project-Based Learning. [online] Available from: http://eduscapes.com/tap/topic43.htm [Accessed 12 Nov 2009]
Moursund, D. (n.d.) Problem-Based Learning and Project-Based Learning. [online] Available from: http://www.uoregon.edu/~moursund/Math/pbl.htm [Accessed 6 Apr 2003]
TechTarget (2004) What is ICT? [online] Available from: http://searchcio-midmarket.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid183_gci928405,00.html [Accessed 14 Jun 2006]
Wikipedia.com (2008) Information and Communication Technology (education). [online] Available from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICT_%28education%29 [Accessed 23 Jan 2008]
