An Approach of ICT Oriented Learning Pedagogies for Development of SAARC economies

Abstract

The rapid development of information and communication technologies(ICTs) and the move towards more knowledge-intensive, interdependent and internationalized societies create new challenges and opportunities for the design and delivery of educationICT is transforming the global economy and creating new networks that cross cultures as well as minimize distances opening up new horizons for progress and exchange of creativity and intercultural dialogue. The emergence of the Internet and rapid diffusion of digital platforms such as the World-Wide-Web, mobile telephony and broadband networks has had and will increasingly have radical effect on the transformation of education and training in all sectors demonstrating how pervasive ICT has become with various implications on economic growth at macro and national levels However growing digital divide in terms of access, applicability and affordability is actually leading to greater inequalities in development of not only developed and developing nations but among developing nations with spatial heterogeneity with particular reference to SAARC member nations.. Nevertheless the growing digital divide is actually leading to greater inequalities in development giving rise to paradoxical situations where those who have the greatest need of them- disadvantaged groups, rural communities, illiterate populations or even entire countries- do not have access to the tools which would enable them to become full-fledged members of the knowledge society. This is particularly true for the developing nations of South Asia particularly SAARC members which are characterised by huge pool of human capital with sharp differences at disaggregated levels (such as between the rural and urban population, skilled and unskilled workers.