Teacher Education: Revamping Professionalism in the Teaching Profession through ICT and Socio-cultural Approaches

Abstract

Education is known to be a lifelong process capable of transforming positively the behaviors of individual members of the society. It therefore becomes imperative for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as well as social-cultural factors to be harnessed in meeting the desired goals of education. No doubt, since the past few decades, ICT has become an essential component of the education system used in building skills and competencies of students as well as the use of native languages, signs and symbols. Unfortunately, review of various research findings has shown the poor utilization of ICT and social-cultural approaches such as native languages, cultural tools, as well as Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) in the education system which has in turn affected education. This is due to poor knowledge on the use of ICT devices and programmes as well as the inability of most teachers in the application of social-cultural theory in education. This paper discusses the integration of ICT and socio-cultural factors in teacher education. The contribution of this paper to knowledge is on the current debates on bridging the gap between qualified and unqualified teachers which has become a bane for future development of knowledge by harnessing ICT and socio-cultural opportunities. The paper recommends among others the introduction of professional programmes specifically designed in batches to help equip teachers on the best way to influence learners' cognitive development through ICT, use of native language, as well as how various cultural practices and norms in the educational environment can be managed in meeting the goals of education.