Overview
This lecture introduces Information and Communication Technology (ICT), its components, uses, and its impact on society, including both positive and negative effects.
Introduction to ICT
- ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology, encompassing technologies that enable modern computing and communication.
- It includes devices, network components, applications, and systems such as computers, cellphones, networks, and telecommunications.
- ICT merges telephone, computer networks, and other systems into unified communication and information platforms.
Components of ICT
- Main components: hardware, software, telecommunications, cloud computing, databases/data warehouses, and human resources.
- Hardware refers to physical devices and peripherals like keyboards, disk drives, and sensors.
- Software is categorized into system software (operating systems) and application software (task-specific programs).
- Telecommunications connect hardware using cables or wireless, forming networks like LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network).
- Cloud computing provides shared data resources and services over the internet (public, private, or hybrid clouds).
- Databases store digital information; data warehouses are collections of databases for large-scale decision-making and analysis.
- Human resources involve people who manage ICT systems and turn data into actionable knowledge.
Models of Access to ICT
- Access models: devices (ownership), conduits (internet or telephone connections), and literacy (skills to use ICT effectively).
- Complete ICT access requires physical access, affordability, application integration, daily use, trust, economic and regulatory support, and other factors.
Uses of ICT in Daily Life
- Communication: ICT enables instant communication via phones, email, social networks, and remote learning.
- Job Opportunities: ICT skills are essential for employment, allowing remote work and online job searches.
- Education: Digitally literate teachers use ICT to enhance learning, provide resources, and teach technology skills.
- Socializing: Social media and online communities boost self-confidence, social skills, and information sharing.
Challenges and Impacts of ICT
- Challenges include high costs, technical complexity, practical limitations, and issues with accessibility.
- Positive impacts: easier information access, improved education, communication, new tools, distance learning, new jobs, and innovative experiments.
- Negative impacts: job loss due to automation, reduced personal interaction, decreased physical activity, higher costs, and increased competition.
Key Terms & Definitions
- ICT — Information and Communication Technology, systems enabling digital information processing and communication.
- Hardware — Physical devices involved in ICT.
- Software — Programs and operating systems enabling hardware operations.
- Telecommunications — Communication over distance using cables or wireless.
- Cloud Computing — Internet-based storage and computing services.
- Database/Data Warehouse — Digital storage (database) and collections of databases (warehouse) for organizational data.
- Digital Literacy — Skills to use digital technology effectively.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review each ICT component and its examples.
- Reflect on real-life uses of ICT in your environment.
- Prepare for a discussion on ICT's positive and negative impacts in society.