ICT Convergence
Convergence
is a process whereby discrete elements come together to unite and produce a
single system. Convergence occurred when digital media, telecommunications and
computer technologies (ICTs) merged to produce ICT. According
to Tinio (2003), ICT refers to
Information Communication Technologies which include a range of technologies
and other resources that are used to create, communicate, store, disseminate
and manage information. These technologies encompass, but are not
limited to the internet, computers, television and radio and telephone systems.
These converging technologies comprise of sets of tools or platforms which
allow them to be used for different purposes in data processing, and creation
and communication of information. According to Flew (2005) the new media, ICT,
emerges from a process of convergence to combine digital networking, global
reach, interactivity and “many to many communications”.
Media technology, telecommunications technology and computer technology are among the technologies that have been converged to produce ICT. Devices were made to enable and extend communication, to change communication practices people developed for these devices use and the social arrangements that formed around these devices.
Media technology comprises of technologies that store information such as books, television and radio; and technologies that use products to create, deliver and activate files such as CD ROM, tablets and the internet. Recent developments in media have increased storage capacity immensely through digitization. Convergence has been facilitated because of digitization which allows for formatting and use of content in different ways and on different platforms to permit the same information to be used on different platforms and for different purposes. Telecommunication technologies include wireless and broadband transmission that increases reach, speed and capacity of data. Digitization has improved transmission because of file compression and packet switching. These developments have made it possible for different devices and applications to use the same networks, greatly reducing costs and simplifying the design of ICT devices. (Singh and Raja, 2010).
Developments in computer technology have led to improvements in processing speed and new peripherals such as high speed scanners, web cams, flash storage and new interfaces. This has facilitated convergence making computers easier to use and accessible to a greater portion of society.
There are several types of convergence that took place in the ICT environment. Wild (2006) noted that technological convergence occurs when sets of technologies with distinct functionalities develop so that some of the functions overlap. Convergence takes place when these multiple products come together to form one product with the advantages of all of the individual technologies. An example of this is the mobile phone which provide text, graphic and voice.
Singh and Raja (2010) identified service convergence, network convergence and corporate convergence. Service convergence is the use of a single network by a firm to provide several communications services that previously required separate networks. For example, firms who provide telephone, radio, and cable communications. Network convergence occurred when a common standard existed to facilitate interconnectivity so that several types of networks can be connected to provide communications services, allowing a particular communications service to use any combination of networks. For example, local networks can be converged into international networks if there are common standards for connectivity. Corporate convergence takes place as a result of mergers, acquisitions or collaborations among firms or businesses upon the creation of new businesses to offer multiple services and respond to different markets. For example, foreign corporate firms such as Digicel can acquire local firms hence, bringing about corporate convergence. The removal of regulatory barriers in telecommunications, media and consumer electronics industries has led to large convergent media industries. In addition, there is an increasing demand for cheap, but high quality services as providers introduce newer and newer technologies (Wild, 2006).
Technical convergence and content convergence have led to changes in the methods of service provision, for instance, telephone companies providing Internet services, facilitated a form of economic convergence that allowed the creation of ICT which combined telecommunications, broadcasting, information technology, and consumer electronics. This new entity required new forms of regulations to better serve the changed functions of broadcasting and telecommunications in a digital environment. (Wild, 2006).
The convergence of ICT brings about numerous benefits of which it has the ability to overcome barriers of time and space so that users have a variety of choices and can connect globally. In education, ICT is particularly important. It is essential in making teaching and learning a more engaging and active process that is connected to real life. Thus it makes education more relevant to the workplace that is ICT dominated. (Tinio, 2003). ICT can overcome constraints of time and space to engage students in asynchronous learning. For example, stored data from programs and software on students’ system allows for students response, research and reflection at a convenient time. ICT offers an array of learning resources that can be utilized and retrieve from the internet which significantly reduces cost. ICT facilitates the application of constructivist theories in the learning environment and supports active and collaborative learning. ICT tools allow students to collaborate across geographical distances, different communities, and different cultures, improving students’ global awareness and building their communicative skills.
An institutional factor that impedes implementation is lack of effective training for teachers. Effective training programs will equip teacher competence in integrating ICT into pedagogical practice. Generally, teachers acquire basic ICT training through professional development courses that do not equip them with pedagogical aspects of ICT. Training is needed for teachers to develop the skills, knowledge and attitude regarding the effective use of technology to support learning by their students. (Newhouse, 2002).
Media technology, telecommunications technology and computer technology are among the technologies that have been converged to produce ICT. Devices were made to enable and extend communication, to change communication practices people developed for these devices use and the social arrangements that formed around these devices.
Media technology comprises of technologies that store information such as books, television and radio; and technologies that use products to create, deliver and activate files such as CD ROM, tablets and the internet. Recent developments in media have increased storage capacity immensely through digitization. Convergence has been facilitated because of digitization which allows for formatting and use of content in different ways and on different platforms to permit the same information to be used on different platforms and for different purposes. Telecommunication technologies include wireless and broadband transmission that increases reach, speed and capacity of data. Digitization has improved transmission because of file compression and packet switching. These developments have made it possible for different devices and applications to use the same networks, greatly reducing costs and simplifying the design of ICT devices. (Singh and Raja, 2010).
Developments in computer technology have led to improvements in processing speed and new peripherals such as high speed scanners, web cams, flash storage and new interfaces. This has facilitated convergence making computers easier to use and accessible to a greater portion of society.
There are several types of convergence that took place in the ICT environment. Wild (2006) noted that technological convergence occurs when sets of technologies with distinct functionalities develop so that some of the functions overlap. Convergence takes place when these multiple products come together to form one product with the advantages of all of the individual technologies. An example of this is the mobile phone which provide text, graphic and voice.
Singh and Raja (2010) identified service convergence, network convergence and corporate convergence. Service convergence is the use of a single network by a firm to provide several communications services that previously required separate networks. For example, firms who provide telephone, radio, and cable communications. Network convergence occurred when a common standard existed to facilitate interconnectivity so that several types of networks can be connected to provide communications services, allowing a particular communications service to use any combination of networks. For example, local networks can be converged into international networks if there are common standards for connectivity. Corporate convergence takes place as a result of mergers, acquisitions or collaborations among firms or businesses upon the creation of new businesses to offer multiple services and respond to different markets. For example, foreign corporate firms such as Digicel can acquire local firms hence, bringing about corporate convergence. The removal of regulatory barriers in telecommunications, media and consumer electronics industries has led to large convergent media industries. In addition, there is an increasing demand for cheap, but high quality services as providers introduce newer and newer technologies (Wild, 2006).
Technical convergence and content convergence have led to changes in the methods of service provision, for instance, telephone companies providing Internet services, facilitated a form of economic convergence that allowed the creation of ICT which combined telecommunications, broadcasting, information technology, and consumer electronics. This new entity required new forms of regulations to better serve the changed functions of broadcasting and telecommunications in a digital environment. (Wild, 2006).
The convergence of ICT brings about numerous benefits of which it has the ability to overcome barriers of time and space so that users have a variety of choices and can connect globally. In education, ICT is particularly important. It is essential in making teaching and learning a more engaging and active process that is connected to real life. Thus it makes education more relevant to the workplace that is ICT dominated. (Tinio, 2003). ICT can overcome constraints of time and space to engage students in asynchronous learning. For example, stored data from programs and software on students’ system allows for students response, research and reflection at a convenient time. ICT offers an array of learning resources that can be utilized and retrieve from the internet which significantly reduces cost. ICT facilitates the application of constructivist theories in the learning environment and supports active and collaborative learning. ICT tools allow students to collaborate across geographical distances, different communities, and different cultures, improving students’ global awareness and building their communicative skills.
An institutional factor that impedes implementation is lack of effective training for teachers. Effective training programs will equip teacher competence in integrating ICT into pedagogical practice. Generally, teachers acquire basic ICT training through professional development courses that do not equip them with pedagogical aspects of ICT. Training is needed for teachers to develop the skills, knowledge and attitude regarding the effective use of technology to support learning by their students. (Newhouse, 2002).
References
Flew, T. (2005) New media: An introduction. 2nd Ed. UK: Oxford University Press
Newhouse, P. (2002). Literature review: The impact of ICT on learning and teaching, Perth,
Western Australia: Department of Education.
Singh, R. & Raja, S. (2010) Convergence in information and communications technology:
Strategic and regulatory considerations. Washington, DC: The World Bank.
Tinio, V. L. (2003). ICT in education. UNDP Asia-Pacific Development Information
Programme (APDIP). Retrieved from: http://www.saigontre.com/ FDFiles/
ICT_in_Education.PDF
Wild, K. (2006 ) The importance of convergence in the ICT policy environment. APC issue
papers. Retrieved from: http://www.apc.org/en/pubs/issue/policy/world/ importance-
convergence-ict-policy-environment.
Flew, T. (2005) New media: An introduction. 2nd Ed. UK: Oxford University Press
Newhouse, P. (2002). Literature review: The impact of ICT on learning and teaching, Perth,
Western Australia: Department of Education.
Singh, R. & Raja, S. (2010) Convergence in information and communications technology:
Strategic and regulatory considerations. Washington, DC: The World Bank.
Tinio, V. L. (2003). ICT in education. UNDP Asia-Pacific Development Information
Programme (APDIP). Retrieved from: http://www.saigontre.com/ FDFiles/
ICT_in_Education.PDF
Wild, K. (2006 ) The importance of convergence in the ICT policy environment. APC issue
papers. Retrieved from: http://www.apc.org/en/pubs/issue/policy/world/ importance-
convergence-ict-policy-environment.