Use of ICT in Education

The present research paper discusses the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education which is gaining currency in the new era of globalism as the telecom revolution has hastened the pace of globalization and vice-versa; along with the catalyst role ICT-enabled education plays in promoting inclusive growth and human development for all. These smart tools of the emerging smart economy would help to promote mass literacy and also narrow inter, as well as intra-generational gaps. Most importantly, it will provide ‘second opportunities’ to the generation that missed them in the first place, thus helping adult learners, particularly the employed and women; thus attempting to reduce gender inequities. The paper attempts to map the trajectory of ICT and its increased usage across the world in an era of globalism, spanning Asia with a focus on India. Technology helps update, modernize, and revolutionize knowledge, information teaching-learning processes et al that help to bridge the digital divide on multi levels-between the rich and poor nations, between the rich and poor classes within a nation, between the rural and urban areas, between the young and old population, between the first and second generation learners and teachers that have become the essence of the new knowledge economy comprising smart students, teachers, policy makers, and communities all woven together through the yarn of the world wide. Like any other innovation, this one too is a double-edged coin with its intrinsic advantages and disadvantages. It is for us to harness modern technologies and utilize the ICT revolution in education for modern global growth, interconnectedness, and inclusiveness that create ‘win-win’ situations for all stakeholders.