Impact of Information & Communication Technology on Education: Evidence from Select Academic Institutions in West Bengal, India

Abstract

Information & Communication Technology (ICT) is recognized as one of the most efficient means for social transformation which can be considered as an effective tool for education. Due to the rapid advancement of internet facilities, mobile phones, laptops and other modern technology oriented devices, today’s world is going digitalized more rapidly. As technology dominates modern life so there is an emerging need to use ICT in education, commonly known as ‘Digital Education’. Digital Education is nothing but learning assisted by technology, where learning is not restricted within the four walls of a classroom but it can be expanded throughout the world due to the intimation of upgraded technologies in learning. Recently, ‘digital technology in the classroom’ (DTC) not only promotes active learning and knowledge creation but also allows remote communication and sharing of information among teachers and learners indistant physical classroom locations. But, digital education has both advantages and disadvantages. The Dialogic practice (where students are actively engaged in a conversation from where learning emanates) and Emancipatory practice of digital education (where the ideas of students go beyond the learning that teachers recommend) acts an effective role in massive development of education as the students can gather knowledge beyond formal education for an elaborative understanding. But the digital technology creates a separation between those who are able to access internet facilities and those that cannot, which is termed as ‘Digital Divide’. Further, several problems like inconsistent internet connections, destroy of social skills due to lack of oral communication, etc hinders the growth of digital education. Digital education is in the progress of development in India. Central government is funding to the educational institute for introducing ICT tools through various agencies. The Department of Education, Government of West Bengal has introduced Computer Based Learning (CBL) system titled `KYAN’ (Vehicle of Knowledge) through West Bengal Electronics Industry Development Corporation Ltd (WEBEL).These kind of technology is used for the purpose of sustainable development in education and connect the digital gap. The present scenario of introducing digital technologies in educational institute in West Bengal is not well established. The present study is limited to highlighting the overall scenario of using ICT in education and analyzing the real fact of using digital technologies in selected colleges in West Bengal. This study is developed based on both primary and secondary sources of information. From the study it is revealed that there is a great need for developing digital education in the educational institute using ICT tools so that the knowledge gathering can be possible at anytime and every time at any corner of the world in the competitive age.