The appearance and development of new technologies related to information and communication (ICT) has meant a revolution in the way we interact with people and agents around us. Such has been the scope of this revolution that its influence on the educational environment was inevitable.

Throughout this article we will analyse the advantages or benefits of the use of ICT in the field of education , as well as the precautions or possible obstacles that may be encountered in their use.

What are ICTs in education?

The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in academic and school settings has increased significantly over the past 10 years, particularly in those countries and societies with more alternative and innovative curricula.

Thanks to the implementation of these new technologies in schools, the way in which education is carried out today has undergone a revolution, since ICT can favour enrichment, complementation, enrichment and, consequently, the transformation of an entire education system.

Due to the multiple benefits that ICT can bring to education, at present innumerable educational projects are being developed to enhance their use . Furthermore, taking into account the way in which these technologies are increasingly coexisting with people, it is very useful that academic environments and schools integrate this new digital culture.

Furthermore, ICT offers the possibility of building a large base of very varied content and knowledge, which can be shared online and adjusted to the demands, needs and interests of each of the learners . Creating databases of information that learners can access whenever they want.

However, it will be necessary to adapt these technologies so that they can be used to the fullest extent as a teaching tool. For example, with the creation of virtual learning communities in which students play an active role in their own teaching.

Finally, the use of new technologies is practically an intrinsic habit of the new generations, so including them in the daily life of the school makes this environment a context that is in tune with the tastes and hobbies of the youngest students .

9 benefits of ICT in education

In addition to being a useful tool for teachers in terms of searching for and presenting information, ICT has proved to be extremely beneficial for the learning and motivation processes of students .

The following are the 9 main benefits of the application of new technologies to the academic and school world:

1. Potential increased interest in certain subjects

There are certain subjects that tend to arouse less interest in students than others, this fact can cause some frustration in teachers, who sometimes run out of resources to arouse this fascination in students.

However, thanks to tools such as animations, videos or multimedia exercises , students can see their interest increase with the consequent positive repercussions.

2. Increased motivation

As previously mentioned, the use of new technologies is the order of the day among the younger generations, so those areas where they are not found can be demotivating.

Therefore, the use of ICT in schools can mean an increase in motivation, since it offers a way of learning in tune with their customs and hobbies . The use of digital tools can be a new way of learning in an attractive, simple and fun way.

3. Facilitates communication

Thanks to new technologies, communication between students and teacher can be much easier and more accessible. Traditionally, the student has played a passive role in this respect; however, thanks to the possibilities offered by chats or e-mails they can be useful for resolving doubts, sharing ideas and content, etc.

4. Encourages cooperation

New technologies can provide a common digital space that promotes cooperation not only among students as a tool for working in groups, but also so that the teaching staff can share knowledge, experiences and cooperate among themselves.

5. Interactivity

A large number of studies carried out in schools have shown that interactivity among students enhances learning processes. Therefore, if we use the ICT as another tool of communication and exchange of ideas among students we will encourage reflection processes .

6. Greater autonomy

Due to the wide range of information that can be obtained with the implementation of ICT in schools, students may be able to choose and decide which issues or subjects arouse their greatest curiosity and increase this content by searching and selecting information .

This means greater decision-making capacity and the empowerment of the student.

7. Continuous intellectual activity

All the advantages or benefits described above have as a direct consequence the continuous intellectual activity of students. In other words, ICTs promote continuous and conscious thinking, as well as cognitive development.

8. Encourages initiative and creativity

In addition and as a consequence of the above, the good use of ICT encourages the development of creativity and initiative , since students develop new skills that allow them to learn by themselves.

9. Allows digital and audiovisual literacy

Through the very use of ICTs, learning and the development of the skills needed to function in the new digital age we are entering are promoted.

Precautions to be taken

However, as with most teaching methods or dynamics that are in the process of being tested and implemented, lack of knowledge about the proper use of ICTs can lead to a number of disadvantages . In order to avoid them in time and correct them, it will be necessary for both teachers and students to receive special training that will guide their behaviour when faced with the use of ICTs.

Some of these drawbacks include

  • Distraction .

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  • Development of addictions to new technologies
  • Information not specific or reliable.
  • Dependence on peers or teachers.
  • Social isolation.
  • Physical or visual problems .
  • Interference in private life.