9 benefits of using ICTs in education

New information and communication technologies offer new educational possibilities.

The emergence and development of new information and communication technologies (ICT) has brought about a revolution both in the way we interact with people and has brought about a revolution in the way we interact with the people and agents around us. Such has been the scope of this revolution that its influence on the educational environment was inevitable.

Throughout this article we will analyze the advantages or benefits of the use of ICTs in the field of educationas well as the precautions or possible obstacles that can be found in its use.

What are ICT in education?

The use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in academic and school contexts has increased significantly over the last 10 years, especially in those countries and societies with more alternative and innovative curricula.

Thanks to the implementation of these new technologies in schools, the way in which education is carried out today has undergone a revolution, since ICT can favor the enrichment, complementation, enrichment and, consequently, the transformation of an entire educational system.

Due to the multiple benefits that ICT can bring to education, countless educational projects are currently being developed. countless educational projects are being developed to promote the use of ICTs in education.. Moreover, considering the way in which these technologies increasingly coexist with people, it is very useful for academic environments and schools to integrate this new digital culture.

In addition, ICTs offer the possibility of building a large base of varied content and knowledge, which can be shared online and adjusted to the demands, needs and interests of each individual. adjusted to the demands, needs and interests of each individual student.. Creating information databases to which students can resort whenever they wish.

However, it will be necessary to adapt these technologies so that they can be fully exploited as a pedagogical tool. For example, with the creation of virtual learning communities in which students play an active role in their own learning.

Finally, the use of new technologies is practically an intrinsic habit of the new generations, so including them in the daily life of the school turns this environment into a context that is in tune with the tastes and hobbies of the youngest students. in tune with the tastes and hobbies of the youngest students..

9 benefits of ICT in education

In addition to being a useful tool for teachers in terms of searching for and presenting information, ICTs have proven to be extremely beneficial in terms of learning processes and student motivation..

The following are the 9 main benefits of applying new technologies to the academic and school world:

1. Potential increase of interest in certain subjects.

There are certain subjects that tend to arouse less interest in students than others, this fact can cause some frustration in teachers, who sometimes run out of resources to arouse this fascination in students.

However, thanks to tools such as animations, videos thanks to tools such as animations, videos, or multimedia exercisesHowever, thanks to tools such as animations, videos or multimedia exercises, students can see their interest increase, with the consequent positive repercussions that this entails.

2. Increased motivation

As mentioned above, the use of new technologies is the order of the day in the new generations, so that those areas in which they do not find them can be demotivating.

Therefore, the use of ICT in schools can mean an increase in motivation, since it offers a way of learning without the use of ICT. it offers a way of learning that is in tune with their habits and hobbies.. The use of digital tools can be a new way to learn in an attractive, simple and fun way.

3. Facilitates communication

Thanks to new technologies, communication between students and teacher can be much easier and more accessible. Traditionally, the learner has played a passive role in this regard. However, thanks to the possibilities offered by chats or e-mails, they can be useful for resolving doubts, sharing ideas and content, etc.

4. Encourages cooperation

New technologies can provide a common digital space that promotes cooperation not only among students as a tool for group work, but also for faculty to share knowledge, experiences and cooperate with each other.

5. Interactivity

A large number of studies carried out in the school environment have shown that interactivity among students enhances the learning process. Therefore, if we use ICT as an additional tool for communication and exchange of ideas among students we will encourage reflection processes..

6. Greater autonomy

Due to the Wide range of information that can be obtained with the implementation of ICT in schools, students may be able to choose and decide which issues or subjects provoke them more curiosity and increase this content by searching and selecting information through the search for and selection of information. by searching for and selecting information.

This means a greater decision-making capacity and the empowerment of student autonomy.

7. Continuous intellectual activity

All the advantages or benefits described above have as a direct consequence the continuous intellectual activity of students. In other words, ICTs enhance continuous and conscious thinking, as well as cognitive development.

8. Promotes initiative and creativity

In addition, and as a consequence of all the above, the good use of ICTs fosters the development of creativity and initiative-takingThe student develops new skills that allow him/her to learn by him/herself.

9. Allows digital and audiovisual literacy

The use of ICT promotes learning and the development of the necessary skills to cope in the new digital era in which we are entering.

Cautions to be taken into account

However, as with most teaching methods or dynamics that are in the process of testing and implementation, ignorance of the proper use of ICTs can lead to a number of disadvantages. In order to avoid them in time and correct them, it will be necessary that both the teaching staff and the students receive special training to guide them in the use of ICT.

Some of these disadvantages include

• Distraction.
• Development of addictions to new technologies.
• Non-concrete or unreliable information.
• Dependence on peers or teachers.
• Social isolation.
• Physical or visual problems..
• Interference in the private life.