ICT Convergence
Several decades ago, most technological devices used to provide a singular function. As technology becomes increasingly ubiquitous, cheaper and greater in demand, many companies have sought to combine several of those functions in a single device. This phenomena is popularly known as convergence. Convergence, therefore, is a combination of specific modal technologies into entities which provide varying functions. The evolution of separate technologies becoming efficient technologies with multiple functions (Solomon and Schrum, 2010, cited in EDTK) supports the concept of convergence in technology.
As a result of this convergence Huang, Guo, Xie and Wu (2012), note that industries are adapting and new industries are emerging to deliver enriched user experiences for consumers, enterprises and the private sector. In general, convergence has allowed the population to enjoy and accept which was unheard of. Further, it has caused companies like Facebook and Google to thrive as well as produce content material to people in some of the remote parts of the world.
The benefits of convergence in information and Communications Technology ( ICT) far outweigh any challenges that may be encountered incorporating it. This is the new era. The global community is getting smaller and closer as a result of all those technological gadgets, the onus is therefore on educations and persons who interact with children to get in tune with the times, or get left behind. Wild (2006), echoes that convergence is here to stay and it is infinite. The children who came through the doors of educational institutions are exposed to a variety of ICT tools. In some instances they are more technologically competent and knowledgeable than their educators.
Through ICT and convergence, lessons and concepts can be taught in more creative and interactive formats which help capture and keep learners motivated to achieve. With simple portable gadgets such as the digital camera, cellular phone, ipod, the ease of gathering information, storage, utilization and presentation is fascinating and brings excitement to the learner. For a mathematics lesson on Geometry, students can take snapshots of shapes or angles in the environment using their phones, which could later be used during the lesson for the class to name and identify.
An institutional factor which may impede the smooth implementation of convergence ICT in education is the limited skills that educators may possess in that field. Albeit the tools are available and the operators do not have the necessary competence in utilizing them, their affordance becomes redundant and under-utilized.
References
EDTK 2030. Information and Communication Technology In Education (2013). Unit 1: Development and Characteristics of ICT
Huang, I,. Guo, R., Xie,H., Wu,Z. (2012). The convergence of information and communication technologies gains momentum. The Global Information Technology Report. World economic Forum.
Wild, K. The importance of convergence in the ICT policy environment. APC Issue Papers. Retrieved from http://rights .apc.org/documents/convergence_EN.pdf
As a result of this convergence Huang, Guo, Xie and Wu (2012), note that industries are adapting and new industries are emerging to deliver enriched user experiences for consumers, enterprises and the private sector. In general, convergence has allowed the population to enjoy and accept which was unheard of. Further, it has caused companies like Facebook and Google to thrive as well as produce content material to people in some of the remote parts of the world.
The benefits of convergence in information and Communications Technology ( ICT) far outweigh any challenges that may be encountered incorporating it. This is the new era. The global community is getting smaller and closer as a result of all those technological gadgets, the onus is therefore on educations and persons who interact with children to get in tune with the times, or get left behind. Wild (2006), echoes that convergence is here to stay and it is infinite. The children who came through the doors of educational institutions are exposed to a variety of ICT tools. In some instances they are more technologically competent and knowledgeable than their educators.
Through ICT and convergence, lessons and concepts can be taught in more creative and interactive formats which help capture and keep learners motivated to achieve. With simple portable gadgets such as the digital camera, cellular phone, ipod, the ease of gathering information, storage, utilization and presentation is fascinating and brings excitement to the learner. For a mathematics lesson on Geometry, students can take snapshots of shapes or angles in the environment using their phones, which could later be used during the lesson for the class to name and identify.
An institutional factor which may impede the smooth implementation of convergence ICT in education is the limited skills that educators may possess in that field. Albeit the tools are available and the operators do not have the necessary competence in utilizing them, their affordance becomes redundant and under-utilized.
References
EDTK 2030. Information and Communication Technology In Education (2013). Unit 1: Development and Characteristics of ICT
Huang, I,. Guo, R., Xie,H., Wu,Z. (2012). The convergence of information and communication technologies gains momentum. The Global Information Technology Report. World economic Forum.
Wild, K. The importance of convergence in the ICT policy environment. APC Issue Papers. Retrieved from http://rights .apc.org/documents/convergence_EN.pdf