It is an undeniable fact that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) cannot be underestimated in this modern world. Computers are being used everywhere to accomplish both simple and complex tasks alike. This field is attracting more and more people who veer into such fields such as application design for both phones and computers, Networking, hardware etc. In all sincerity it is a very interesting and fascinating field which is in constant evolution since new technologies soon become old news with the emergence of current and better technologies. The approach with which the subject is thought in some Schools of ICT learning is nothing to write home about. A lot of emphasis is sadly put on theory instead of practice and hands-on dealing of concepts. It should not just be about projecting information and reading out for students. For crying out loud Information communication technology is not a subject like History or for that matter English language. This is a highly practical subject and it is not enough just explaining concepts to students. A lot of individuals pay huge amounts of money to attend these schools and they need to get higher returns for the cash they are investing. It is sad to know that this is not just occurring in only “wayside” ICT schools but in highly reputable schools of learning. I shudder to think that just maybe the instructors themselves are not familiar with the concepts themselves. In this era of virtualization I wonder why virtual lab environments cannot be created in the computer laboratories of these schools for students to have a hands-on experience on the concepts they are thought. Take for instance a case where a student comes out with a certificate in networking but cannot diagnose a simple network problem such a loss in internet connection in a small office environment. This is not good for our system. I would suggest that students be given more opportunity to practice with computers in the labs. It shouldn’t be out of place for Instructors to simulate common workplace problems for Students to try their hands at solving problems. When this is done instructors can easily identify their weaknesses and guide them in the right direction. This will ensure that students have the concepts at their fingertips and not just memorize concepts in order to pass just and internal or external examination. I do not by any stretch of imagination lump these schools in one basket as a good number of Schools attach great seriousness to the practical aspect of the subject. The point must also be stressed that Institutions should make sure that they recruit Instructors who are well qualified and know their “Stuff”. As the saying goes you cannot give what you don’t have. The best instructors are those who love the Subject and don’t just regard it as just a bill-paying avenue. This is not also to suggest that students should expect their teachers to spoon-feed them. Anybody who wants to enter the field of ICT should love to invest some time in carrying out personal research to improve their knowledge base bettering themselves as not everything can be thought in the classroom. There is a wealth of quality information out there on the Internet. The internet should be the friend of the ICT student. . ….. Just thinking aloud…..
Posted on: Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:01:17 +0000