Chapter 13:

ICT
What is ICT?
ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology.
It encompasses any technology that helps to create, manipulate, store,
communicate, or disseminate information electronically.
History of ICT
ICT has evolved over centuries, from early forms like the abacus and the printing
press to modern computers and the internet.
Notable advancements include the invention of the telegraph, telephone, and the
development of computers during the 20th century.
Some Examples of ICT
Computers, smartphones, tablets, internet, software applications, email, social
media, and digital cameras are all examples of ICT.
Tools of ICT
Hardware like computers, servers, routers, and storage devices.
Software such as operating systems, applications, and databases.
Networking equipment like routers, switches, and cables.
Communication Technology and Tools
Communication technology involves tools and systems that enable the
transmission of information, including the internet, telephones, and video
conferencing.
Examples of Communication Technology and Tools
Email, instant messaging, video calls, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), and
social media are all communication tools.
Exploitation involves using these tools for effective and efficient communication in
various contexts like business, education, and social interactions.
Application of ICT
ICT is applied in various fields such as education, healthcare, business,
government, entertainment, and more, to improve processes, enhance
communication, and facilitate decision-making.
ICT in Education
ICT in education involves using technology to enhance learning, including e-
learning platforms, digital textbooks, interactive whiteboards, and educational
software.
ICT in Business
In business, ICT is used for operations, customer management, data analysis,
marketing, and other functions. Tools like Customer Relationship Management
(CRM) software and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are examples.
What is eBanking? Examples of eBanking
E-banking (electronic banking) involves conducting banking activities over the
internet, such as online account management, funds transfers, and bill payments.
Examples include online banking platforms provided by banks and mobile banking
applications.
ICT in Medicine
ICT in medicine includes electronic health records, telemedicine (remote patient
consultations), medical imaging technologies (like MRI and CT scans), and
healthcare information systems to manage patient data.
ICT in eGovernment
eGovernment (electronic government) refers to the use of ICT to deliver
government services, information, and communication with citizens.
It streamlines government processes, makes information accessible, and improves
communication between citizens and government. For example, online tax filing,
government websites, and digital portals for citizen services.
Education:
ICT supports e-learning through online courses, educational websites, and virtual
classrooms.Digital textbooks, interactive whiteboards, and educational apps
enhance the learning experience.
Teachers use ICT for lesson planning, grading, and accessing teaching resources.
Healthcare:
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) streamline patient information management and
healthcare workflow. Telemedicine allows remote consultations and monitoring of
patients, improving accessibility to medical services. Medical imaging
technologies aid in diagnostics, and telehealth enables consultations with
specialists regardless of location.
Business:
ICT facilitates efficient communication through email, VoIP, and video
conferencing.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems integrate various business functions,
enhancing productivity and decision-making.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software helps manage interactions
with clients and improve service.
Finance:
Electronic banking (eBanking) enables online transactions, account management,
and bill payments.
Automated teller machines (ATMs) and point-of-sale (POS) systems facilitate
transactions and withdrawals.
ICT supports secure online trading and investment activities in the stock market.
Communication and Media:
Social media platforms allow real-time interaction and dissemination of news and
information.
Journalism relies on ICT for researching, writing, editing, and publishing articles
through various online platforms.
Broadcasting uses ICT for live streaming, editing, and archiving audio and video
content.
Agriculture:
ICT aids in precision farming by analyzing soil data, weather patterns, and crop
conditions for optimized agricultural practices.
Farmers use mobile apps to track livestock health, manage inventory, and plan
planting cycles.
Drones and satellite
eGovernment (electronic government) refers to the utilization of information and
communication technologies (ICT) to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and
accessibility of government services and processes. It involves delivering
government services and information to the public through online platforms,
reducing paperwork, improving communication, and promoting a more citizen-
centric approach.
Nepal's Usage of eGovernment:
Online Services:
Nepal has made strides in providing online services for various government
functions. Citizens can access and apply for services related to citizenship,
passports, driving licenses, tax payments, and more through official government
websites.
eTax System:
Nepal has implemented an online tax payment system, allowing taxpayers to
submit their tax returns and pay taxes electronically. This digital approach
streamlines the tax collection process and enhances transparency.
Online Citizen Portals:
The government has established online citizen portals, enabling people to access
information, lodge complaints, provide feedback, and seek assistance regarding
government services and activities.
Digital Payment Systems:
The government has encouraged the use of digital payment systems to facilitate
transactions related to various government services, reducing the reliance on cash-
based transactions and enhancing financial inclusion.
Government Websites:
Various government departments and agencies have official websites providing
information about their functions, services, policies, and contact details. These
websites serve as an important medium for communication and information
dissemination.
Public Information Dissemination:
The government utilizes online platforms and social media to disseminate
important public information, announcements, and updates, ensuring timely and
widespread communication.
eGovernance Initiatives:
Nepal is increasingly investing in eGovernance initiatives to enhance internal
government processes, inter-agency collaboration, and data sharing, leading to
improved efficiency and coordination.
Education and Awareness:
Efforts are being made to educate the public about available eGovernment services,
how to use them, and the benefits of e-services through awareness campaigns and
training programs.
The adoption of eGovernment initiatives in Nepal aims to make government
services more accessible, efficient, and transparent, ultimately contributing to
improved governance and a better experience for citizens.

knowledge pyramid
The "knowledge pyramid" is a conceptual framework that represents the
organization and hierarchy of information and knowledge within a system,
especially in the context of computer science and information systems. It's often
used to illustrate the various levels of data processing and abstraction, from raw
data at the base to meaningful insights and knowledge at the top.
Here's a typical representation of the knowledge pyramid, from bottom to top:
Data:
At the base of the pyramid are raw facts, figures, and symbols that have no
inherent meaning. Data is often unstructured and needs to be processed and
organized to extract useful information.
Information:
Data is processed and organized to create information. Information is meaningful
and useful data that provides context, relevance, and purpose. It gives structure and
meaning to the data.
Knowledge:
Knowledge is derived from information by interpreting and understanding the
relationships and patterns within the information. It involves linking and
integrating different pieces of information to gain insights, make decisions, and
solve problems.
Understanding:
Understanding involves integrating knowledge from various sources and domains
to create a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of a subject or concept.
It requires critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis.
Wisdom:
At the top of the pyramid is wisdom, which involves applying understanding and
knowledge to make sound judgments, solve complex problems, and make
informed decisions. Wisdom often incorporates ethics, values, and long-term
perspectives.
The knowledge pyramid illustrates the progression of data through various stages,
each building on the previous one to create a more meaningful and valuable
outcome. Data is transformed into information, information into knowledge,
knowledge into understanding, and understanding into wisdom.
In practical applications, technologies such as data analytics, machine learning,
artificial intelligence, and knowledge management systems play vital roles in
facilitating the transformation of data into knowledge and beyond in this pyramid.
These technologies help analyze data, extract patterns, create models, and support
decision-making processes at different levels of the pyramid.