INFORMATION
AND COMMUNICATION TECHONOLOGY
Understanding and Development of Information
and Communication Technology (ICT)
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
includes two aspects, namely Information Technology and Communication
Technology. Information Technology
covers all matters relating to the process, use as a tool, manipulation, and
management of information. Communication
technology covers all matters relating to the use of tools to process and
transfer data from one device to another.
Therefore, mastery of ICT means the ability to understand and use ICT
tools in general, including computers (Computer literate) and understanding
information (Information literate).
Tinio defines ICT as a set of tools used to communicate and create,
disseminate, store and manage information.
The technology in question includes computers, internet, broadcasting
technology (radio and television), and telephone. UNESCO (2004) defines that ICT is a
technology used to communicate and create, manage and distribute
information. The general definition of
ICT is computer, internet, telephone, television, radio, and audiovisual equipment.
A. Development of Information and
Communication Technology in Education
The history of the use of ICT in education,
especially in learning, is strongly influenced by the development of ICT
hardware, especially computers. Teemu
Leinonen (2005) divides the development into 5 phases as illustrated in the
following figure:
Image of ICT Development Phase
The first phase (late 1970s - early 1980s) was
the programming, drill and practice phase.
This phase is characterized by the use of computer software that
presents practical and brief exercises, especially for mathematics and language
subjects. The second phase (late 1980s -
early 1990s) was the phase of computer based training (CBT) with multimedia
(computer-based training with multimedia).
This phase is the golden era of CD-ROMs and multimedia computers. The third phase (early 1990s) is the phase of
Internet-based training (IBT) (internet-based training. In this phase, the
internet is used as a learning medium. The fourth phase (late 1990s - early
2000s) is the e-learning phase which is a phase of maturity based learning internet The fifth phase (late 2000) is the
social software + free and open content phase, which is marked by the rise of
learning software and free learning content that is easily accessed by both
teachers and students, which can then be edited and manipulated as needed.
B. Utilization of ICT in Learning
The rapid development of information and
communication technology (ICT) brings a new paradigm in education from various
aspects, including changes from traditional learning to new learning, from
teacher centered to learner centered, to changes in information delivery to
information exchange. The electronic learning
facility developed in Indonesia is Education TV, which features a variety of
learning topics from various subjects with varying delivery modes. The large number of learning CDs that can be
found on the market or distributed to schools is also a separate opportunity
that can be utilized by schools to support a better learning process. Unfortunately, although it is realized that
ICTs can help speed up the education process and have the potential to improve
the quality of education, its use has not been widespread and equitable in
schools.
The use of ICT tools in the learning
process above is a form of integration of ICT with the learning system. UNESCO (2004) claims that curriculum
integration is the use of ICT's ability to add value to the learning process by
integrating ICT-based activities into the curriculum. These activities include: (i) using generic
software packages (office application packages, graphics, and presentations),
(ii) using special software for interactive learning, simulations and mastery
of content; (iii) using synchronous and
asynchronous communication tools for online collaboration and information
exchange (e-mail, web forums, instant messaging, audio- and videoconferencing),
and (iv) using the internet as a source of information and research. In the curriculum integration model, ICT
skills are not taught as separate activities, but are obtained along with
ICT-based learning activities.
In KTSP, ICT is also treated as a learning
substance in the form of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
subjects. ICT subjects can help students
to recognize, use, maintain information technology equipment and communication
technology, as well as use all the potential that exists for the development of
personal abilities. How to package /
process information and how to communicate it.
1.
Computer Assisted Learning
In the field of education, computers have
various functions. One of them is the
function of learning media, which can include the presentation of material and
exercises. This learning model is
commonly referred to as 'computer-assisted instruction' (CAI) or
computer-assisted learning (CAL). The
positive benefits of computers in the field of education and teaching have been
widely reported results. Stepp-Greany (2002) conducted a study of students'
perceptions of technology-based learning.
He found a number of things, including the following: (1) most students
agreed to bring a computer lab to make the lesson more interesting; they also find the use of CD-ROMs fun; and (2) students feel confident working on
task-based activities (task-based activities).
Furthermore Skinner and Austin (1999) conclude that the computer
conferencing learning model is useful for increasing student motivation by
increasing their level of self-confidence.
2. Computers and Students
Student learning experience is one of the
determining factors that is very influential in achieving their success. Therefore, teachers should try to create a
conducive and interesting learning atmosphere.
One mode of learning that is considered to be able to fulfill this is by
utilizing computers as learning media in the classroom or as self-access
learning resources.
Regarding how computer usage affects students,
Brown (1999) reports that (i) computer use has a positive influence on student
self-esteem; (ii) students can study
independently without feeling that other people are observing the difficulty of
the task they are doing or the mistakes they make; (iii) as an alternative, students can also
work in groups, which benefits students with lower ability to build confidence
gained from other students; (iv)
computers offer flexible access where students can use them according to the
time they want, either during class or in addition to class time; and (v) computer-assisted learning is a
financially effective way for independent learning, as well as for coordinating
and managing learning and assessment.
3. Computers and Teachers
The role of the teacher is very
important in carrying out computerized teaching. In the context of computer-assisted learning,
computers are very useful to support the teacher's role in the teaching and
learning process, but cannot replace the teacher, whose presence is important
and is always needed as a guide and mediator.
Some ICT Software / Facilities for Learning Media Purposes
a.
CD-ROM
A
CD ROM is a 4.75-inch diameter optical disk that is used as a medium for
storing information in large enough quantities (+ 600 MB), which can be
accessed and read on a monitor, or printed through a printer. CDs can store information in various forms,
such as: text, images, presentations, slides, audio and video.
b.
Internet
The internet is an international network
that connects thousands or even millions of computers with diverse contents,
such as education, government, business, culture, and technology. This internet network allows individuals to
interact and communicate with others through computers from various parts of
the world at a fairly affordable cost.
Some internet facilities and activities that can be used to support
learning are email, discussion forums, web browsing, and chatrooms.
c.
Learning Management System
Learning management system known as
learning management system (LMS) is software in the form of a learning
portal. In general, LMS provides a space
for teachers to store material (upload) and assignments given to students. On the other hand, this LMS also provides
space for students to work on or deposit assignments.
d.
Program Authoring / Teaching Material Development Template
The Authoring Program is a template used
to develop teaching materials. This
program can be in the form of freeware (free tools) or packages that must be
purchased. The advantage is that
teachers can develop their own material according to the needs and learning
objectives that have been formulated.
There are several freeware that can be downloaded from the internet,
including Hot Potatoes.
e.
Educational TV
This Education TV has an excellent
program that school management and teachers need to know to be able to make the
most of it. The following are featured
promulgation programs that are downloaded from TV Pendidikan's official
website, together with a brief explanation of each.
Otto daniswara 9G/25
Mantap bossq :)
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