Information and Communication Technology in Education
Core concepts
Know basic hardware and software, input and output devices, storage, operating system functions, file management, and safe and responsible use of the internet. Understand ICT integration models such as SAMR (substitution, augmentation, modification, redefinition) and TPACK (technological, pedagogical and content knowledge). Know the difference between ICT as a subject and ICT as a tool across subjects. Be familiar with digital citizenship, cyber safety, password hygiene, plagiarism and copyright, digital divide, and assistive technology for learners with disabilities. Understand blended learning and the use of multimedia for engagement.
Traps
A common trap is treating any digital use as integration; showing a video is substitution if it merely replaces a lecture. Another is confusing input with output devices, or memory with storage. Questions may test cyber safety: never share personal details or passwords, verify sources, and report harmful content. Do not confuse plagiarism with legitimate citation. Also, technology should serve pedagogy, not replace clear objectives; a weak lesson is not fixed by a projector.
Worked example
A question asks whether pupils using a spreadsheet to explore how changing values alters a graph is meaningful integration. Rule of thumb: this is modification or redefinition because the tool enables analysis not feasible on paper, so it goes beyond substitution.
Application
Plan ICT use against the learning objective, check accessibility and safety, and prepare offline or low-resource alternatives where connectivity is limited.