How to improve ICT literacy

In the Philippines, most students are taught old computer processes, which, by the time they graduate, may already be obsolete or not needed. They know Microsoft Word, but get lost with Open Office. They were taught to create images with Paint but may not really know how to do the same in Adobe Photoshop. The lack of updated information (combined with lack of hardware/software) is one of the problems that must be overcome if we want our students to be ICT-literate. Because learning new things never stop. Aim to get them certified. In France, they have a B2iCertificate - Brevet informatique et internet" (IT and Internet Certificate) that can specify the degree of proficiency in ICT. Certified high school students, for example, must already know how to set up documents for processing with a spreadsheet program; set up tables, formulas and links to other documents; find information and documentation using a search engine; communicate by email and receive and send files; and, understand intellectual property rights. If your students are already acquainted with these, then encourage their ICT-literacy by giving them certificates of completion. Who knows, such initiative may start a city-wide or region-wide certification program for high school students. Have a set of criteria to determine ICT-literacy. Find out if the student can think globally, has contacts near and far through multi-directional social networks (email/ computer conferences), and is aware of virtual schools and takes advantage of additional learning opportunities. Fully utilize ICT. Create and maintain an open, multimedia-based learning environment by establishing virtual classrooms (online schools and classes), introducing advanced e-mail systems (sending pictures and audio files), and linking with other schools, libraries, and out-of-school experts. Request all out school support. Recommend and push for the school to update and upgrade the schools ICT tools by getting more hardware and software, and installing a communications network for some, and if possible all, the school computers (classrooms, library, etc). Get more teacher training. Request to allocate funds for teachers ICT training and participation in computer conferences. Teachers, like students, should never stop learning. Think of ICT with an open mind. ICT is important, and if you are not very familiar with the technology, dont be afraid to experiment with how you can use it for teaching. Start by adding up-to-date information retrieved from the World Wide Web and incorporating them in your lessons. Consider buying a computer for your home. Learn beyond the four walls of the classroom and take full advantage of the benefits of ICT. Sources: Overview of the B2i certificate. Retrieved June 17, 2008 from http://www.educnet.education.fr/eng/formation/B2i.htm Seppo Tella: The UTOPIA Project. Retrieved June 17, 2008 from http://www.helsinki.fi/~tella/133EnglRecomms.pdf The Role of ICT in Learning. Retrieved June 17, 2008 from http://www.icponline.org/content/view/86/47/ (Published 23 June 2008, Smart Communications, Inc.)