INFORMATION and Communication Technology (ICT) is a revolution which has penetrated almost all fields of human activities, thus changing people’s economic and social life for the better.
The world has today been transformed into a global village by ICT through which knowledge is shared for development.
ICT facilitates easy acquisition and absorption of knowledge, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance economic and social development within the global community.
This communication technology opens access to knowledge not only for the benefit of individuals but all the countries within the global village.
ICT in the 21st century in fact has become a basic skill required in all areas of individual, national and global development.
In this regard, the introduction of ICT subject in primary schools in Zambia could not have come at a better time than now when the rest of the world has embraced it and is far advanced in its usage for developmental purposes.
Indeed, Zambia in her quest to become an integral part of this global village, and to enhance her chances of development at individual and national levels, is in order to have taken such a gigantic step.
Of course the ICT subject, specifically the use of computers, cannot take off without such essential infrastructure as electricity.
In this regard, the development seems to have come at a right time when the Ministry of Education is working hand-in-hand with the Rural
Electrification Authority (REA) to ensure that all schools in rural areas are electrified. This will make possible the installation of equipment for ICT lessons.
So as Zambia National Union of Teachers (ZNUT) general secretary Newman Bubala observes, what may only pose a major challenge is the current lack of computers in some schools for learners in the rural areas to use.
In addition, it cannot be disputed that these learners also require teachers who are knowledgeable in ICT to handle the subject.
To this end, the Ministry of Education should also ensure that teachers in primary schools countrywide gain the necessary competencies in ICT.
All in all, the introduction of ICT as a subject at primary school level is a positive move which would accelerate development even in rural areas of the country.