Technology types and their uses
Information and communications technology (ICT) is the hardware and software that enables data to be digitally processed, stored and communicated.
ICT can be used in a classroom to access, process, manage and present information; model and control events; construct new understanding; communicate and collaborate with others. To assist teachers in selecting the ICT tools to support application of a wide range of teaching and learning strategies we have compiled the following list of emerging technologies.
Collaborative & Networking Tools
Technologies that enable learners to communicate and collaboratively solve problems and share knowledge and information.
- Online conferencing
- Online communities
- Instant messaging eg. MS messenger
- Instant chat – eg. Skype
- Blogs
- Wikis
- Discussion boards
- Emails
- Social networking websites eg. Myspace, Facebook, xanga
- Photo sharing – eg Flickr
- VOIP
- Mobile phones/smart phones
Audio & Digital Imaging Tools
Tools that enable learners to create audio and visual information products that demonstrate their understanding of concepts, issues, relationships and processes.
- Time-lapse photography
- Virtual tours
- CAD
- Digital portfolios
- Digital cameras/videos
- Movie editing software
Telematics
Integration of computing, wireless technology and Global Positioning System (GPS) for sending, receiving and storing information over vast networks and their application to learning processes.
- GPS devices
- Navigation systems
- RFID (Radio frequency identification)
- Semacodes
Data collection
Various technologies that enable learners to capture data for required purposes.
- Scanning devices & decoders
- Virtual libraries
- ePortfolios
- Online surveys
- OCR Scanning
- Intelligent maps
- Search technologies eg. Spider
- Cryptography software
- ID Software eg. Iris recognition
Assessment tools
Tools used to implement different strategies to assess student achievements.
- Online quizes
- Computerised testing
- ePortfolios
Adaptive technologies
Software or hardware that has been specifically designed to aid the learning process for learners with disabilities.
- Screen enlargers
- Assistive devices e.g. Head wands, sip & puff devices, etc
- TTY/TDD phone service
- Screen readers
- Touch screen displays
- Closed captions
- Brail readers
- Speech recognition software
Delivering curriculum
Tools that have been adapted to deliver curriculum.
- Virtual classrooms
- Electronic whiteboards
- Laptops
- PDAs
- Data projectors
- Decision support systems
- eBooks
- Smart documents
- Mind mapping tools
- Podcasts
- Interactive web sites
Language technologies
Information technologies that are specialized for dealing with the human language.
- Hand-held interpreters
- Electronic dictionaries
- Bilingual software
Entertainment
Technologies used to support educational gaming.
- Games
- Simulators
- Animation/claymation
- Robotics
- Interactive web sites
- Videos eg. YouTube
- MP3 players
- PDAs
- Podcasts
