ICT in Education: Culture, Practice and Involvement

ICT in Education: Culture, Practice and Involvement

Sonia Kawas
Copyright: © 2011 |Pages: 11
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60960-048-8.ch005
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Abstract

This chapter is based on work carried out as part of the scope of the ICT in Education project jointly sponsored by Jordan’s Ministry of Education and the British Council, with the participation of four other Middle Eastern countries (Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and the Palestinian Territories). The author’s main empirical findings and comments relate to the duration of the project (viz. between 2003 and 2008), showing how ICT in education brought positive impact on the delivery of teaching in class, and also how online forums can be utilized as opportunities to exchange invaluable information and knowledge in this sector. Current status, challenges, solutions and recommendations are based on the author’s findings and experience whilst managing and working on the project.
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Background

The first issues realised of the literature review is the positive results around introducing ICT in the education system, and how it enables distant learners to benefit from education, with the technologies available. A study by Shirazi et al (2009) reflected on the expectations of ICT to bring to the economic freedom in several countries in the Middle East, with comparison in technology users, digital divide, regulations and economic growth. On the other hand, the effects of introducing ICT in primary education in the ‘midst of uncertainty’ as Kiridis et al (2006) described, states as a fact that, though the use of technology is becoming a familiar scene in many countries around the world, ministries need to consider perceptions and attitudes of teachers towards the use of ICT. Kiridis continues to argue that there is a need to convince teachers in the opportunities of embedding ICT in primary education approaches and tools.

Organization Background

The British Council is the United Kingdom’s principal agency for cultural relations with other countries. A charity organisation registered in the UK, its purpose is to enhance the reputation of the UK in the world as a valued partner. It promotes the UK in its entirety, reflecting and celebrating its cultural, ethnic and political diversity.

Working with ordinary people as well as with governments and decision-makers in 110 countries, the British Council builds relationships and creates opportunities. It targets specific groups of people through programmes in education, English language teaching, libraries and information, the arts, science and technology, and governance and human rights.

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