| About ten years ago I came across a 15-year-old | | | | - Information technology (IT) is the term used to |
| student whom I will probably always remember. He | | | | describe the equipment (hardware) and computer |
| was a bright lad. He learned quickly and | | | | programs (software) that allow us to access, |
| enthusiastically. He excelled in sports and had set his | | | | retrieve, store, organize, manipulate, and present |
| sights on a career in Health & Fitness. | | | | information by electronic means. |
| Yet he had to face a major crisis when the national | | | | - Communication technology (CT) is the term used to |
| exams that would win him a place in college loomed. | | | | describe telecommunications equipment through |
| As part of the assessment process, many of his | | | | which information can be sought and accessed; for |
| school subjects demanded the submission of reports, | | | | example, telephones, video equipment, modems, and |
| assignments and presentations using multi-media | | | | computers. |
| formats. | | | | In schools and colleges they have taken on |
| Now, this lad was well up to the mark in his | | | | importance in not just the administration area, but in |
| knowledge and intelligence. But he had studiously | | | | the educational process itself. Both teachers and |
| avoided learning about the new information and | | | | students must be able to type, format and present |
| communication technologies that seemed to be | | | | information through a variety of media, including audio |
| taking over the school. He used to boast that he | | | | and video. |
| was 'a technology-free zone'. He hated computers, | | | | Many parents quake at the thought of using ICT. |
| and no one should ever give him a laptop because he | | | | (But if you are reading this on a computer you are |
| would be unable to resist the temptation to hurl it | | | | way ahead!) The problem for many, however, is that |
| from the nearest window! | | | | ICT changes so fast and they feel left out or left |
| And yet... Time passed and he was 'caught short'. He | | | | behind in this Brave New World. They then become |
| lagged behind his peers in ICT skills. Up 'til then he had | | | | frustrated and unable to help their children. |
| managed to 'get by', asking or even paying his | | | | But there's good news. It's never too late to start - |
| friends to type up and format his reports for him. | | | | or, for that matter, too early - and the younger |
| But when the exams loomed and everyone was | | | | children are, the quicker they can pick up knowledge |
| under the same pressure, they had no time to help | | | | and skills without becoming fazed or intimidated. |
| out. | | | | Thankfully, the toys and games industry has |
| Fortunately, he was able to take a crash course and | | | | delivered 'big time' in the provision of items and |
| his natural intelligence, coupled with his new-found | | | | accessories to help children cope with the demands |
| motivation, got him up to speed in time. It almost | | | | of 21st century education. The range of learning or |
| exhausted him and brought him to the brink of a | | | | educational toys and games is nothing short of |
| total breakdown. Yet it could all have been avoided. | | | | phenomenal. |
| The point is, in modern education ICT skills are MUST | | | | If you feel left behind, or even if you feel you've |
| HAVES for our children. They are no longer add-ons | | | | kept apace with modern developments, wouldn't you |
| or peripherals. | | | | be glad to give your kids a head start in the |
| So what exactly is ICT? | | | | awesome opportunities of education and ICT? Look |
| The letters stand for Information & | | | | into the wonderful world of learning toys and you'll be |
| Communication Technologies. | | | | both reassured and amazed. |