Response

ICT, which stands for Information and Communication Technologies, refers to technologies that provide access to information through telecommunications. It is defined as the means by which social interaction is mediated across a series of technological networks (Fitzpatrick, 2003, p 131). The convergence of these technologies is viewed as the breaking down of barriers between separate ICT services and networks such as cable television networks, phone services, the internet cell phones and other communication mediums. In the Primary School system ICT convergence has also occurred. The internet has become a tool used to gather information as well as a means of communication. Teachers utilize laptops, tablets, cell phones as well as other devices to access the internet through the schools Wi-Fi network in order to gather data, worksheets, news reports and informative videos that can be used to assist in the education of students. Also these devices can be used to communicate via various social media so that teachers and parents are better able to get in contact with each other. With the advantage of interconnectivity between the two major cell phone networks in Trinidad and Tobago teachers, parents and administration can keep in contact as well as parents with their kids. Two of the institutional factors that impede of ICT in my school is that we have no Information Technology teacher and the availability of the computer room. Since we do not have a specialist IT teacher who would be able to teach students to become computer literate, as well as providing them with additional knowledge on topics they would have covered in the classroom, teachers depend on their limited comprehension of Computer Science to do so. Also the computer room is used on a first come first serve basis or as a study area for kids when their teacher is absent. To overcome this obstacle I take my class to the library and attach the stereo system to my laptop. I would stream videos I found based on the topic to be covered which gives them a level of familiarity before attempting said topic. I usually have a small class of no more than fifteen so the number is split in half and the video can be viewed. ICT is being implemented in classrooms around the world to improve teaching and learning. It is also used in companies and institutions worldwide as a means of sourcing information and communication. This convergence has revolutionized the way that people communicate, learn and do business in the 21stcentury.

References:

Singh, R., Siddhartha, R. (2010). Convergence in Information and Communication Technology:

Strategic and Regulatory Considerations. Retrieved fromhttp://books.google.tt/books/about/Convergence_in_Information_and_Communica.html?id=Qv0 zY8Z1ge0C&redir_esc=y

Geoghegan, L., Lever, J., McGimpsey, I. (May ,2004). ICT for Social Welfare: A Toolkit for Managers.