Role of ICT in the development of teachers

The most conspicuous development in the globalization context has been the Information and communications technology (ICT) influx. It seems to have turned the world into a global village. Endless connectivity, interactive organizations, information sharing and infinite access have all become the new ICT buzz words. ICT has emerged as a key instrument for influencing the process of governance in various ways and in varying degrees from improving the current service delivery strategies to bringing about innovations in the mechanisms and nature of service. With the emerging new technologies, the teaching profession is evolving from an emphasis on teacher-centered, lecture-based instruction to student centered, interactive learning environments. Designing and implementing successful ICT-enabled teacher education programmes is the key to fundamental, wide-ranging educational reform. Teacher education institutions may either assume a leadership role in the transformation of education or be left behind in the swirl of rapid technological change. For education to reap the full benefits of ICTs in learning, it is essential that pre-and in-service teachers are able to effectively use these new tools for learning. They must also provide leadership in determining how the new technologies can best be used in the context of the culture, needs, and economic conditions within their country. Teacher education institutions also need to develop strategies and plans to enhance the teaching-learning process within teacher education programmes and to assure that all future teachers are well prepared to use the new tools for learning.