Information Technology

Brittany Sanchez, Jessica Paz, and Teshawn Reed

Abstract
Informational Technology is the use of technology for storing, retrieving, and sending

information. Informational Technology has become part of our everyday lives. Information

technology has been around for many years, although is rapidly changing our world. This research

will explain the history of Information Technology, what Information Technology (IT) is and its

use within the academic realm. It will also provide information about IT outside of academics,

the history of informational technology, and discuss some of its barriers. Informational

Technology has many barriers, some of these barriers include: cost, teacher training, lack of

discussion, and lack of materials.

What is Information Technology (IT)?

equipment to store, retrieve, transmit and manipulate data, often in the context of a business or

other enterprise. Information Technology is described as any type of technology that powers

information within different types of fields and careers. According to the article, “How does

Information Technology impact the methods, potential and purpose of education?” it states that

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Information Technology is a cluster of computing and communications technologies based on

microelectronics. Computers, software, networks, web sites, serves, and databases, just to name

a few all fall under the IT umbrella.

People use Informational Technology in their daily lives. A few examples are using a

computer and internet to chat or play games. It is used in education to teach students, and for

shopping from home.

History of Informational Technology

There are 4 main ages that divide up the history of information technology. Only the latest

age, electronic and some of the electromechanical age are prevalently in our society today. The

premechanical age is the earliest age of Information Technology. It can be defined as the time

between 3000B.C. and 1450A.D. When humans first started communicating they would try to use

language or simple picture drawings known as petroglyphs which were usually carved in rock.

Early alphabets were developed such as the Phoenician alphabet (Kenneth C. Laudon, Carol

Guercio Traver, Jane P. Laudon, 1996). This history has set the stage for our past, present, and

what is yet to come within the technology world.

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 Information Technology and Academics
In recent years, Information Technology has strongly impacted education. This change is

far from over (Furneaux). Massy and Zamsky believe that IT can enhance Academic

Productivity in two major ways. The first way is that students have a very large amount of

information at their fingertips, which can be obtained at little or no cost. Secondly they believe

IT allow faculty to accommodate individual differences and learning styles, while providing

convenience for themselves and students.

Course Smart and Wakefield Research surveyed more than 500 enrolled college students.

This survey found many statistics that factor into this hot trend in education.

 98% students surveyed own a device to use in school

 Students averaged using three technology devices daily.

 Print textbook are losing their reputation.

 Online courses were reported in gaining popularity.

 Professors rely more on technology for delivering class announcements and

assignments. 84% of the students surveyed had a professor post syllabus.

Information Technology outside of Academics

Many businesses heavily depend on IT. Hospitals, business owners, museums, and many other

places depend on Information Technology. According to Dave Ross, “Four out of ten most in-

demand jobs right now in the United States are IT jobs.” These professionals are in high demand

and will continue to be needed in the years to come.

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 Barriers within Information Technology
Within the area of Academics, IT host barriers. Some of these barriers include: cost,

teacher training, lack of discussion, and lack of materials. As technology grows these factors are

less significant because schools are better equipped with technology and instructors are gradually

becoming more competent in the use of technology (Badia, Meneses, & Sigales, 2013).

Conclusion
In conclusion the impact of Informational Technology is changing our world. This

change is far from over. Careers and education will never be the same due to this new way of

storing, retrieving, and sending information. As technology evolves, professionals are becoming

increasingly knowledgably of these technologies.

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 References

(1)Badia, A., Meneses, J., & Sigalés, C. (2013). Teachers' perceptions of factors affecting the

educational use of ICT in technology-rich classrooms. Electronic Journal Of Research In

Educational Psychology, 11(3), 787. doi:10.14204/ejrep.31.13053

(2)Furneaux, C. How does Information Technology impact the methods, potential and purpose of

education? . Retrieved April 8, 2014

(3)Kenneth C. Laudon, Carol Guercio Traver, Jane P. Laudon, (1996) Information Technology

and Systems, Cambridge, MA: Course Technology

(4)Lepi, K. (2012, August 30). . Retrieved April 2, 2014

(5)Massy, W., & Zemsky, R. Using Information Technologies to Enhance Academic

Productivity. Retrieved April 13, 2014

(6)Yeh, C., Chang, D., & Chang, L. (2011). Information Technology Integrated into Classroom

Teaching and Its Effects. Online Submission