ICT TOOLS IN SCHOOL

Schools are places of learning and producing the innovators of tomorrow. But did you know that in most
OECD countries, schools lag behind workplaces and homes in the adoption of information and
communication technology (ICT) tools?

ICT tools have the potential to improve education and teaching in several ways. The widespread
presence of ICT to perform everyday productive and leisure activities creates a demand for specific skills
and knowledge related to their useand possibly reduces the importance of some of the skills that
schools have traditionally taught. Schools can also play an important role in promoting responsible uses
of the internet and raising awareness on new threats.

However, as in traditional class settings, the role of the teacher is as crucial as ever. Great teachers often
get better results when using technology; poor teachers, unfortunately, cannot be replaced by
technology.

Indeed, teachers must ensure that the conditions which promote deep learning are met in the digital
classroom as well as in the traditional classroom. New devices may help teachers create these
conditions, but the principles of effective learning are the same whether computers are involved or not:
our human brain, after all, is the same, even when a screen is placed in front of our eyes. In any
situation, learning requires time and practice, is most rapid when driven by the learners needs, and can
be effectively supported by social interactions.

Digital learning is effective when the new tools are used to extend study time and practice, such as
when we practise a foreign language with an online partner, but often digital tools encourage multi-
tasking, which harms learning. Digital tools can also help students assume control over the learning
situation, e.g. by individualizing the pace with which new material is introduced, or by providing
immediate feedback on how well they are learning. Furthermore, new devices can support collaborative
learning, which is a powerful learning situation, by having students teach to each other new concepts
that they have learned, and interact with other students and teachers in different countries

There is no doubt that technology is transforming education. Today, digital literacywhich includes the
ability to understand and interact with everyday ICT toolsis officially part of the core curriculum in
countries such as France and Norway. Estonia has led the way in introducing codingthe writing of
machine instructions in a programming languagein primary and secondary classes, and is now being
followed by many other countries, including England and Italy. It is time that we too follow this culture
to encourage and educate the future of our country.