Pertinence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Teaching-Learning process in the context of 21st century Digital Era

Abstract: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has made remarkable improvement in the field of Education. With the help of ICT, classroom study has shifted from teacher centered pedagogical approach to learner centered approach and offers to foster interactivity, more collaborative approach and inclusivity as well. Tools and applications of ICT are like online classroom system, Learning Management Systems, MOOC, SWAYAM, digital libraries, Google meet to YouTube every single platform will positively manage to study, learn, grow and compete with global skills. ICT expands innumerable opportunity for teachers to make their content rich, interesting and effective to deliver in classroom situation. Assessment and evaluation process can be smoothening through ICT tools like Blackboard, Socrative, Kahoot, Mentimeter. In addition to these teachers can enroll in professional courses and make their learning as per their convenient time and space. Inclusive education can be highly benefitted from newly added Assistive and Adaptive technology. JAWS, Voiceover, NVDA tools are essential for Screen reading, speech-to-text for student with disability. Learning becomes easier and comfortable and specified for each individual from online tools and apps. Despite of all these advantages several challenges and barriers are also exist such as digital divides, inadequate infrastructure, lack of training to use ICT properly, resistance to change and deal with digital culture along with delayed adoption of ICT. However Government has already taken initiatives like e-Pathshala, NISHTHA, DIKSHA platform to provide equal opportunity for all rural and urban learners. The importance of ICT not only limiting in providing tool and applications but in creating equitable, innovative and effective digital culture from Education to human life for betterment of living.