WE MUST EMBRACE THE ICT REVOLUTION BY FORCE!

By Ibrahim A. Suleiman

There are developments in the Nigerian education sector which indicate some level of ICT application in the secondary schools. The Federal Government of Nigeria, in the National Policy on Education (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004), recognizes the prominent role of ICTs in the modern world, and has integrated ICTs into education in Nigeria. To actualize this goal,the document states that government will provide basic infrastructure and training at the primary school. At the junior secondary school, computer education has been made a pre-vocational elective, and is a vocational elective at the senior secondary school. It is also the intention of government to provide necessary infrastructure and training for the integration of ICTs in the secondary school system.

Education system in Nigeria is approaching the point at which Science and Technology particularly, Information and Communication Technology, plays a vital role in nearly all phases of the educational process. The Internet has emerged as a major driving force of this dynamic development of which has also impacted positively in virtually every sector of the Nigerian economy.(ICT) is defined, as a “diverse set of technological tools and resources used to communicate, and to create, disseminate, store, and manage information”(Blurton:1999). It comprises technologies or electronics as radio, television, videos, computers, sensors, interface boxes, e-mail, satellites connections etc.

Information and communication technology is such an integral part of our lives that it is embedded right across the curriculum.

Information and communication technology has permitted students to participate in a world in which school, work, and other activities have been increasingly enhanced by access to varied and developing technologies. These tools have helped students find, explore, analyze, exchange, and present information—most importantly, without discrimination. When efficiently used, it can provide quick access to ideas and experiences from a wide range of people, communities, and cultures.

Krystal digital School management portal has gone a long way in enhancing students who are not technologically inclined, and to make it necessary for all of them to be able to make use of the portal by checking their assignments, online registration, updating their profiles, and checking their results via the computer system. Parents too have realized the need to help their children develop strong computer skills and have access to the latest technologies by enrolling them for computers courses and purchasing various gadgets such as; computers, ipads, Tablets and other hand-held devices. This is as a result of its effectiveness and efficiency in completing their academic tasks without mistakes/errors.

ICT is not only the future of our children’s' education, but it is the present; and we need to make the investment in ICT now!' Walter Lockhart.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) education improves students’ research skills by encouraging them to look for information on the Internet. It enables them to make research on various topics by seeking relevant books that could be digitally available online. The Internet also contains search options, which expose students to diverse ways of obtaining information. Thanks to the speedy nature of the Internet, students can research their desired topics within minutes.

Information and Communication Technology education may influence student performance by enabling them to become more involved with their school work. Computers can potentially enhance students mathematical thinking, and improve scores in problem solving and critical thinking tasks.with computer education, student are now allowed to use the school student portal effectively and participate in their own education by communicating with teachers and monitoring their progress, they can review attendance history, periodic reports, download and submit assignment online.

 It has become very important, that every student are linked to the use of computer e.g. Online School registration, online assignment, WAEC, NECO,and JAMB are registered online, Computer based Test (CBT), check Result online via a computer system connected to the internet. 'ICT in education is the key to unlocking the skills and knowledge of our future generations of young people. It is the tool for learning for the 21st century. 'Kate McKenzie

Information and communication technology is an essential skill for life which enables students to participate more readily in a rapidly changing world. Using the internet and email, for example, gives them rapid access to ideas and experiences from a wide range of people, communities and culture. It also bring students from around the world together with the aid of social networks, like Facebook, BBM, Twitter, WhatsApp, 2go, to mention but a few.

Students have been able to master the computer system from tender age, and have helped them increase their intelligence.

Students in this generation are not allowing the repulsive attitude of their parents to deter their goal/interest in mastering ICT in order for them to compete favorably with their counterparts globally.

Future generations will thank us for the fight we are undertaking to promote ICT and ensure we have a world class workforce who can compete in a digital age.

The Sky is the stepping stone to the future of Nigerian children/students, every skills and technical know-how needed is imbibe in them to realize their dreams. Parents can now have peace of mind that their children are enjoying a unique study experience.

There is no other time than now to join the ICT revolution.