ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology and is defined as a ‘diverse set of technological tools and resources used to communicate, as well as to create, disseminate, store, and manage information’. These technologies include computers, the Internet, broadcasting technologies (radio and television), and telephones.

Information and Communication Technologies have revolutionised the world and proliferated all spheres of life. The information revolution has hastened the process of globalisation and changed the face of the workforce. In today’s well-connected world, every person seeking a job needs to be well versed with a basic knowledge of computers and proficient in the use of the Internet. The requirement of an IT literate person at every level in an organisation has led to a massive demand for basic IT courses.

Advances in technology have made the use of mobiles, computers and computer games a part of everyday life. Children in primary and secondary schools, who form a bulk of the population, are the first generation that has never known life without these technologies. They are referred to as ‘digital natives’. It is a challenge to incorporate technology into the curriculum in intelligent and relevant ways. To get everyone on board is a difficult task but is well worth the effort.

There are creative ICT tools to aid learning. A word processor is a thinking tool to help in drafting, organising and presenting ideas. Presentation tools such as PowerPoint aid in making presentations to communicate ideas. Graphics and symbols give diagrams a greater visual impact. Animation and video-editing software enables further creative uses of ICT.

Multi-channel learning is useful in enriching the learning experience, connecting the learner with knowledge, information and simulations to customise trainings and deliver in areas where there is a scarcity of trained teaching personnel. New technologies are being developed to provide connectivity to remote areas. Some initiatives, using mobile phones, have been initiated but they are still in their pilot stage. Education through video satellite network is still in its nascent stage in India.

ICT is a powerful tool for educational change and reform. Use of ICT helps improve the quality of education and makes learning an active process connected to real life. TARAhaat has initiated the spread of ICT in the most remote areas of northern India through its franchised network. It aims to empower people to achieve their aspirations by using Information and Communication Technology and to deliver relevant products and services enabled by ICT.

TARAgyan, the education division of TARAhaat develops educational courses for people in rural and peri-urban areas. These courses enhance job skills, life skills and basic skills. Job skills are avenues for earning money, while life skills and basic skills enrich the lives of the learners. TARAgyan uses ICT to shift from one-way to two-way communication, from cramming to assimilation, towards meaningful infotainment in the learners’ first language. TARAgyan’s courses are structured in such a way that the learner gains maximum practical experience. Care is taken to ensure that each learner gets to work on practical assignments on the computer. An online examination system makes the learning experience complete.  q

Sujata Bhatia
sbhatia@tarahaat.com

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