Is ICT a life skill??

Is ICT a life skill??

I started my classes this year by asking my learners what is ICT. I wanted to know what their perception of the subject is.

They were definitely surprised to learn that the subject encompasses several technologies that deal with processing of data and the communication with that processed data. The younger ones were concerned “Does that mean playing games in the lab or not?” while the older ones wondered aloud “Well, that definitely sounds like a lot of internet surfing “. These initial brainstorming sessions made me think too about the aim of ICT as a subject.

Swimming is a life skill that every child is encouraged to learn as it helps them stay fit and confident, to keep themselves and others safe in and around water and entertain/relax themselves in a pool. Not all learners who enter the pool become competitive swimmers but it makes swimming no less important and more so a life skill.

On the same terms, I thought ICT would aid the learners in their professional work, to know how to make their tasks easier and of course, help them relax when they want to switch off from their work.

So, I would say, for the generations now and ahead, ICT is a life skill. It helps them present their ideas, opinions and views in myriad ways. Every job, whichever profession that could belong to, requires them to collect, organize, present and store data and in various forms too (text, pictures, audios and videos). Being well versed with a word processor, possessing good presentation skills and excellent spreading capability are mandatory for any career, my learners choose. Understanding of how any programmed information system works, helps my learner harness its power.

Hmmmm…… Now, I understand my job fully and am enthused with fresh ideas, raring to go in teaching my learners this essential life skill that will make them work smarter rather than harder to achieve their goals and dreams.