TE year1sourcebook/Introduction to the Unit

This unit discusses how you can use Information and Communication Technologies (henceforth ICT) for your own professional development and will introduce different digital methods that will support self learning and peer learning. To explore the various possibilities of creating using ICT, the course emphasizes the use of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). You will learn about the history of ICT and the place of digital ICT in this evolution of ICT. You will also learn how to use ICT ethically and in keeping with the spirit of inclusion. The coursework includes a theoretical component that focuses on understanding the way different digital processes work as well as a practical component that will include the learning of different ICT skills.

You will become familiar with different components of the ICT Infrastructure in your lab. You will learn how to connect to the internet, and see the internet as a ‘global digital library’ from which you can search and access resources for your own learning. You will learn to create your own ‘personal digital library’ by meaningfully organising the resources accessed, as well as created by you. As a part of this unit, you will also be introduced to the idea of Open Educational Resources.

You will learn to build ‘professional learning communities’ with your peers, through virtual forums and mailing lists. You will learn how to use email and social networking applications to connect to your classmates and to other teachers and learners.