Information and Communication Technologies: a Tool Empoweringand Developing the Horizon of the Learner

摘要

In this article, we focus on the implementation and development of ICT in the education sector, challenging and developing the traditional learning environment whilst introducing new educational tools including e-learning. The paper investigates ICT as a tool empowering and developing learners lifelong learning opportunities. It defines a model of ICT development and identifies three core development stages through which basic skills, ICT skills, and lifelong learning skills are acquired. The paper further gives a description of the ICT impact on labour and education markets, the current state of development of ICT at school in EU and the needs for further investment in this area. The findings of this paper suggest that such investment is likely to have positive effects when geared towards blended learning approaches built on comprehensive policy and strategies to cover all stages, as well as all agents in its interesting but complex development.