ICT as Communicative tool

                                   

  

                           ICT AS COMMUNICATIVE TOOL

With the rise of digital learning, communication between teachers and students has expanded beyond the physical classroom. One powerful ICT communicative tool that supports this shift is Zoom. In this blog, let's explore what zoom is and how it can be integrated into teaching and learning.

Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing platform that allows users to meet online through video, audio and chat. It supports features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, live polling and recording. Originally designed for business meetings, zoom quickly became a key educational tool during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling remote teaching and learning worldwide.

Zoom can be effectively used in education. Teachers can conduct live online lessons, enabling real time interaction with students. Likewise, it supports collaborative work among students in smaller groups.  Moreover, educators can invite experts from anywhere o speak with students virtually. Zoom offers a flexible platform for engaging parent-teacher meetings. In addition, teachers can attend or host professional development sessions as well.

 

                                        Zoom as communicative tool

As someone who has experienced both traditional and online learning environments, I find zoom to be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it has opened up incredible opportunities to stay connected whether it’s attending a class from on a rainy day or having a guest speaker join from halfway across the world. The ability to see and hear one another in real time brings a sense of presence that many other tools lack.

I’ve seen how breakout rooms can spark meaningful discussions and how a simple screen share can turn a confusing lesson into a clear explanation. There’s something empowering about being able to raise your virtual hand, share your thoughts in the chat or even react with an emoji while all are sitting comfortably in your own space.

But, of course, it’s not without its challenges. There were times when the internet lagged just enough to miss key parts of a lesson, or when faces on the screen stayed silent for too long, making the session feel a bit lonely. I’ve also noticed how staring at the screen for extended periods can be mentally draining for both students and teachers.

Despite these issues, I believe zoom has proven to be more than just a pandemic solution. It’s a tool that, when used thoughtfully, can support a more flexible and inclusive learning experience. However, like any tool, it works best when balanced with other methods of teaching, especially those that bring back the warmth, movement and energy of in-person learning.