ICT - An Innovatory Intervention in Secondary School Education - A Focus Study on Quasi- Government Schools

ICT, an acronym, denotes the integration of ‘Information Processing, Computing and Communication Technologies’ in a continuum and a range of different, albeit, rapidly converging technologies that fall into the union of Information Technologies (IT) and Telecommunications. An umbrella term ‘ICT’, refers to the processing and maintenance of information and the use of all forms of computer, communication, network and mobile technologies for transmission, processing, storing, creating, displaying, sharing or exchanging information by electronic means. ICT Teaching-Learning means and modes inter alia include radio, television, video, DVD, telephone (both fixed-line and mobile phones), satellite systems, computer and network, hardware and software, as well as the equipment and services associated with these technologies, viz., video conferencing, e-mail, and blogs. In the era of digital transformation, Information and Communication Technology (ICTs) plays an incredible role and catalyses achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To realise SDG-4, a transformative and innovative approach, a committed and concerted effort would be required across all levels of Secondary Education from curricula, pedagogy, ICT technologies, and collaborations to governance and funding. In this context, an earnest attempt has been made to evaluate the impact of the integration of ICT in Teaching-Learning Pedagogy in Quasi- Government, Secondary Schools (Classes from VIII, IX and X) of the West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. The study also examines the level of integration of ICT in Mathematics, Physics, Natural Sciences and Social studies. Further, it suggests the ways and means for the efficient and effective integration of ICT in Secondary School Education. The results indicate a significant difference in the adoption of ICT across various classes of instruction between Rurban and Tribal regions selected for the study. The confidence level in the adoption and implementation of ICT varies significantly across different Degrees of Freedom (DF) in integrating Telugu, English, Hindi, Mathematics, Physics, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences. ICT touches every sphere and space of human life profoundly influencing how we live, work and interact. ICT recognises the importance of subject and domain knowledge, didactic improvisations and an openness of mind in the moments of Teaching-Learning. ICT is undoubtedly an innovative intervention and a collaborative concierge in Secondary education that chisels educators, teachers, and students within and out of the persona of educators, teachers, and students. ICT has revolutionised teaching-learning in the 21st century by introducing innovative pedagogical approaches that enhance engagement and accessibility.