Integrating Information Communication and Technology into Classroom Environment in Higher Education

Olaniyi, T. K., and Ademola, E. O. (2013). Integrating information communication and technology into classroom environment in higher education. iSTEAMS Research Nexus, Vol 4, pp.150-158.

ABSRACT

This paper describes the rationale for integrating Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) in a classroom environment of higher education institutions. It argued that effective integration of ICT depends on the way it is deployed and positioned. ICT would facilitate and improve students’ knowledge and promote positive attitude towards learning. There is urgent need to provide proactive institutional support in the usage of ICT and E-learning in delivering educational materials. If Nigerian students are to compete with their counterparts in the developed world, effort must be made to develop their ICT abilities in an integrative teaching and learning environment. Regrettably, many institutions in Nigeria have invested heavily in the use of ICT but its benefits are yet to be manifested. Choosing a sustainable teaching and learning methods is not a passive process and academic communities are expected to provide additional ICT skills given the complex dynamics of the job market and increasing demand by employers for multi-tasking workforce. Various methodological approaches for knowledge dissemination in an integrated ICT environment are necessity for sustainable education development. Personal development and creation of supportive learning environment with the aid of ICT can bring about the urgently needed changes required in the emerging Nigerian economy.