Information and Communication Technology in Education
Domain 5 examines purposeful use of ICT, not familiarity with gadgets. It tests whether technology improves learning, inclusion and administration while protecting students.
Core rules
- Start with the learning outcome; select ICT only if it adds explanation, practice, feedback or access.
- The TPACK idea: good integration needs content knowledge, pedagogy and technology together.
- e-Thaksalawa and other national digital resources support self-study; they do not replace teacher mediation.
- Teach digital citizenship: privacy, consent, cyberbullying, source checking and screen-time balance.
- Keep student data safe; do not post images or results without consent.
Worked example
A teacher wants Grade 9 students to understand plate tectonics. Using a short animation of plate movement, students first predict, then watch, then correct their predictions in pairs. Reasoning: the animation makes an invisible process visible and creates cognitive conflict; the prediction task keeps students active; the pair correction gives feedback. Showing the animation without prediction would be passive viewing. A second trap is uploading the class video to social media to show innovation; that breaches privacy.
Traps
- Using technology for technology's sake.
- Assuming all students have devices or data at home.
- Ignoring accessibility for learners with low vision or hearing.
- Sharing student photos or marks online without consent.
- Treating e-Thaksalawa as a substitute for teaching.