Improving communication through ICT

Abstract

The concept of ICT as a medium of communication within and outside the school was examined in the two state secondary schools in Gozo. Four different questionnaires were constructed, specifically tailored for each of the four stakeholders directly involved in these schools, namely the SMT, the teachers, the students and the parents. An attempt was made to gauge their level of acceptance of and preparedness for the possible adoption of this innovative style of communication. The results obtained indicate that although the majority of the stakeholders own a computer and have access to the internet, yet they still prefer to communicate using the conventional notice board, the telephone and the messenger. The majority of respondents fear that communication through modern technology is bound to impair their inter-personal relationships. This prevalent attitude can however be explained by what emerged as an underlying lack of confidence in the use of the computer amongst an ageing SMT and the older members of the teaching staff and the majority of the parents. It was encouraging to note that the students showed the greatest confidence in the use of the computer. Perhaps, one has to wait for these students to grow up and become the principal stakeholders in education in the Gozo of tomorrow. Technological communication for them would be as easy as a duck takes to water.