1 EFFECTIVE INTEGRATION OF ICT IN EDUCATION: 21ST CENTURY SKILLS BASED SUSTAINED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TEACHERS

ABSTRACT: Technology and innovation have brought tremendous change in the way the students learn. With a global network, newer avenues and resources of learning available, technology exposure and technology adoption amongst students is higher and learning is no longer confined to the classrooms. For the students to take effective advantage of technology, the teachers have to play a key role not just as imparters of knowledge but also as facilitators who will guide the students in using technology for their benefit. The teachers need comprehensive and sustained professional development opportunities that cultivate multiple skills such as knowledge managers, developers of learning strategies and facilitators of technological and innovative methods of learning. Sustained Professional development of teachers is necessary to play these diverse roles and for systematic improvement in technology adoption by teachers as compared to students. Countries all over, including India are recognizing the fact that the traditional forms of professional development such as workshops, and one-time training sessions on Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills are proving to be inadequate. What is required is sustained professional development that takes a more holistic approach with out isolating ICT skills and pedagogical aspects. Teachers must learn to add to their individual development by drawing experiences from others through online networks and information exchange systems thus forming their own personalized learning networks. Further for systematic education transformation through ICT an integrated approach to professional development is necessary that focuses not only on teachers but also on other stakeholders as well