Integration of Information and Communication Technology in Teaching Processes

Introduction

Today, Information and communication technology has become an important part of most of the enterprises (Zhang et al., 2007, Bamrara, A., 2012). Computers began to be placed in schools in the early 1980s, and several researchers suggest that ICT will also be an important part of education for the following generations (Bransford et al., 2000; Grimus, 2000; Yelland, 2001). Modern technology offers many means to improve teaching and learning in the classroom (Lefebvre et al., 2006). Dawes (2001) believes that new technologies have the potential to support education across the curriculum and provide opportunities for effective communication between teachers and students which was not possible in past. Uttarakhand is a developing State and most of its population relies on Government Schools for educating their kids. ICT tools play a critical role in teaching-learning process as it has been observed very effective in the Classrooms to dispense the knowledge. ICT in education has the potential to be influential in improving teaching processes. However, this potential can not be easily achieved. Given the importance of ICT in society and possibly in the future of education, the discovery of possible obstacles to the inclusion of these technologies in schools would represent an important step to improve the quality of teaching and learning. Balanskat et al. (2006) pointed out that problems will be continued to be encountered, although teachers adopt the power of digital technology and apply it too. Keeping in view the usability and applicability of digital tools, School Education department of Uttarakhand has also implemented various projects to encourage the digital awareness among teaching fraternity.