The Role of ICT in Education

The Role of ICT in Education

We see that our current life is influenced mostly by the existence of Technology. More and more kids are playing their tablet or handphone. Teens and even some adults become more frantic if they leave their smartphones at home than if they forget to bring their wallets.

Based on the article from The Jakarta Post, the national research conducted by Asosiasi Penyedia Jasa Internet Indonesia (APJII) together with Pusat Kajian Komunikasi (PusKaKom) FISIP Indonesia University reported that internet users in Indonesia increased from 72 million people in 2013 to 88 million in 2014. It's predicted to increase in 2016 since there will be 4G LTE access.

In Indonesia, internet penetration has been mainly used for accessing social media, namely Facebook, twitter, instagram and path. Based on eMarketer research, Indonesia placed the third rank of Facebook users. The users mostly access the social media through smartphones.

Unfortunately, the technology development has not extended to the education field. Internet is basically used only for entertainment, not education. The internet is well accessed individually, not by schools. About 50 percent of the 234, 919 primary and secondary schools in Indonesia had access to the Internet, The Culture and Elementary and Secondary Ministry recorded.

Technology should be new sources of learning beyond teachers. So, students can learn everywhere and everything they want to know, still under teachers' guidance. Schools should put high concern on the development of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) and include it in the curriculum. Also, the implementation should be controlled and evaluated so it can be improved further. 

Through ICT, students can learn at the appropriate speed according to their ability. Interactive digital content gives great chances to students to explore more and to learn materials specifically. This way will lead to bear experts.

However, the fact is not like what we imagine. It is still a long road to revolutionize education in Indonesia through ICT. We need to work together with the same vision. Schools, teachers, students, parents, governments as well as societies should be aware of the importance of technology to create qualified future leaders.

By : Sapti