Palawan State University

Palawan State University- Del Sur

BALABAC CAMPUS

GE- ELECT: LIVING IN THE IT ERA GE- ELECT: LIVING IN THE IT ERA GE- ELECT: LIVING IN THE IT ERA

LEARNING PACKET 1:
INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION
AND COMMUNICATION
TECHNOLOGY
GE- ELECT: LIVING IN THE IT ERA GE- ELECT: LIVING IN THE IT ERA GE- ELECT: LIVING IN THE IT ERA
LEARNING PACKET 1: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

OVERVIEW

The quickening pace of evolution in technology is very evident in this era. It seems that it
is progressing faster than ever. From year to year, the evolution of technology is one of
staggering promise and opportunity--as well as uncertainty. Basically, technology has been
around before, and as long as there are people, information technology will be there also
because there were always ways of communicating through technology available at that point
in time. The future may be unknown, but digital advancement continues to reshape our world
in ways that encourage people to form new habits, find new ways to work together, and
become better human beings. And, in most cases, these changes translate into a range of
opportunities and disruptions across every industry. Humans have always been quick to
adapt technologies for better and faster communication.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After successful completion of this module, the student can be able to;
1. Demonstrate a sense of readiness for the upcoming semester;
2. Identify their learning outcomes and expectations for the course;
3. Recognize their capacity to create new understandings from reflecting on the course;
and
4. Know the role and importance of ICT.

LET US EXPLORE
Lesson 1: Information and Communication Technology

History of ICT

ICT, or information and communications technology (or technologies), is the

infrastructure and components that enable modern computing.

Although there is no single, universal definition of ICT, the term is generally accepted
to mean all devices, networking components, applications and systems that combined
allow people and organizations (i.e., businesses, nonprofit agencies, governments and
criminal enterprises) to interact in the digital world.

GE- ELECT: Living in the IT Era

LEARNING PACKET 1: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Uses of ICT In Our Daily Lives

1. Communication

We all know that ICT take a major role for us by means of communicating, way back
in the past our parents use to make letter and send it via post mail. But now with the help
of ICT it is easier to communicate with our love ones. We can use cellular phones that
design for communicating with other people even they are miles away far from you.
Nowadays people are in touch with the help of ICT. Through chatting, E-mail, voice mail
and social networking people communicate with each other. It is the cheapest means of
communication.

ICT allows students to monitor and manage their own learning, think critically and
creatively, solve simulated real-world problems, work collaboratively, engage in ethical
decision-making, and adopt a global perspective towards issues and ideas. It also
provides students from remote areas access to expert teachers and learning resources,
and gives administrators and policy makers the data and expertise they need to work
more efficiently.

2. Job Opportunities

In the employment sector, ICT enables organizations to operate more efficiently, so

employing staff with ICT skills is vital to the smooth running of any business. Being able
to use ICT systems effectively allows employees more time to concentrate on areas of
their job role that require soft skills.

For example, many pharmacies use robot technology to assist with picking prescribed
drugs. This allows highly trained pharmaceutical staff to focus on jobs requiring human
intelligence and interaction, such as dispensing and checking medication.

Nowadays, employers expect their staff to have basic ICT skills. This expectation even
applies to job roles where ICT skills may not have been an essential requirement in the
past. Nowadays, finding a job is different, you can just use your smart phone, laptop,
desktop or any gadgets that is available in the comfort of your home.

3. Education

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) can impact student learning when
teachers are digitally literate and understand how to integrate it into curriculum.

Schools use a diverse set of ICT tools to communicate, create, disseminate, store, and
manage information.(6) In some contexts, ICT has also become integral to the teaching
learning interaction, through such approaches as replacing chalkboards with interactive
digital whiteboards, using students’ own smartphones or other devices for learning during
class time, and the “flipped classroom” model where students watch lectures at home on
the computer and use classroom time for more interactive exercises.

When teachers are digitally literate and trained to use ICT, these approaches can lead to
higher order thinking skills, provide creative and individualized options for students to

GE- ELECT: Living in the IT Era

LEARNING PACKET 1: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

express their understandings, and leave students better prepared to deal with ongoing
technological change in society and the workplace.

4. Socializing

Social media has changed the world. The rapid and vast adoption of these
technologies is changing how we find partners, how we access information from the news,
and how we organize to demand political change.

The internet and social media provide young people with a range of benefits, and
opportunities to empower themselves in a variety of ways. Young people can maintain
social connections and support networks that otherwise wouldn't be possible and can
access more information than ever before. The communities and social interactions young
people form online can be invaluable for bolstering and developing young people's self-
confidence and social skills.

As the ICT has become ubiquitous, faster and increasingly accessible to non-technical
communities, social networking and collaborative services have grown rapidly enabling
people to communicate and share interest in many more ways, sites like Facebook,
Twitter LinkedIn You tube, Flicker, second life delicious blogs wikis and many more let
people of all ages rapidly share their interest of the movement without others everywhere.
But Facebook seems to be the leading areas of where people communicate and share
their opinions. What a change! “Nothing is permanent, but change” (As Heraditus in the
4thcentury BC). Internet can be seen as the international networks of interconnection of
computer networks, the main purpose for the institution of internet is quest for information
i.e., browsing, electronic mail, knew groups fill transfer and access and use of another
computer. Socialization can be seen as a process by which a child adapts a behavior to
be an effective member of the society, which can only be achieved through learning or
education.

Impact of ICT in The Society

Positive impacts of Information and Communication Technology

1. Access to information: Increase in access to information and services that has

accompanied the growth of the Internet. Some of the positive aspects of this increased
access are better, and often cheaper, communications, such as VoIP phone and
Instant Messaging.

2. Improved access to education, e.g., distance learning and online tutorials. New ways
of learning, e.g., interactive multi-media and virtual reality.

3. New tools, new opportunities: ICT gives access to new tools that did not previously
exist: digital cameras, photo-editing software and high-quality printers, screen
magnification or screen reading software enables partially sighted or blind people to
work with ordinary text rather than Braille.

4. Communication: Cost savings by using e.g. VoIP instead of normal telephone, email /
messaging instead of post, video conferencing instead of traveling to meetings, e-

GE- ELECT: Living in the IT Era

LEARNING PACKET 1: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

commerce web sites instead of sales catalogues. Access to larger, even worldwide,
markets.

5. Information management: Data mining of customer information to produce lists for

targeted advertising. Improved stock control, resulting in less wastage, better cash
flow, etc.

6. Security: ICT solves or reduces some security problems, e.g., Encryption methods can
keep data safe from unauthorized people, both while it is being stored or while it is
being sent electronically.

7. CT allows people to participate in a wider, even worldwide, society.

8. Distance learning: students can access teaching materials from all over the world.

9. ICT facilitates the ability to perform ‘impossible’ experiments’ by using simulations.

10. Creation of new more interesting jobs. Examples would be systems analysts,
programmers and software engineers, as well as help desk operators and trainers.

Negative impacts of Information and Communication Technology

1. Job loss: Manual operations being replaced by automation. e.g., robots replacing
people on an assembly line. Job export. e.g., Data processing work being sent to other
countries where operating costs are lower. Multiple workers being replaced by a
smaller number who are able to do the same amount of work. e.g., A worker on a
supermarket checkout can serve more customers per hour if a bar-code scanner
linked to a computerized till is used to detect goods instead of the worker having to
enter the item and price manually.

2. Reduced personal interaction: Most people need some form of social interaction in
their daily lives and if they do not get the chance to meet and talk with other people,
they may feel isolated and unhappy.

3. Reduced physical activity: This can lead to health problems such as obesity, heart
disease, and diabetes.

4. Cost: A lot of ICT hardware and software is expensive, both to purchase and to
maintain. An ICT system usually requires specialist staff to run it and there is also the
challenge of keeping up with ever-changing technology.

5. Competition: this is usually thought of as being a good thing, but for some
organizations being exposed to greater competition can be a problem. If the
organization is competing for customers, donations, or other means of funding
nationally or even internationally, they may lose out to other organizations that can
offer the same service for less money.

GE- ELECT: Living in the IT Era

LEARNING PACKET 1: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Applications of ICT (Computers) in Our Daily Lives

1. Business- almost every business uses computers nowadays. They can be employed
to store and maintain accounts, personnel records, manage projects, track inventory,
create presentations and reports. They enable communication with people both within
and outside the business, using various technologies, including e-mail. They can be
used to promote the business and enable direct interaction with customers.

2. Education- Computers can be used to give learners audio-visual packages,

interactive exercises, and remote learning, including tutoring over the internet. They
can be used to access educational information from intranet and internet sources, or
via e-books. They can be used to maintain and monitor student performance, including
through the use of online examinations, as well as to create projects and assignments.

3. Healthcare- continues to be revolutionized by computers. As well as digitized medical

information making it easier to store and access patient data, complex information can
also be analyzed by software to aid discovery of diagnoses, as well as search for risks
of diseases. Computers control lab equipment, heart rate monitors, and blood
pressure monitors. They enable doctors to have greater access to information on the
latest drugs, as well as the ability to share information on diseases with other medical
specialists.

4. Retail and Trade- Computers can be used to buy and sell products online - this
enables sellers to reach a wider market with low overheads, and buyers to compare
prices, read reviews, and choose delivery preferences. They can be used for direct
trading and advertising too, using sites such as eBay, Craigslist, or local listings on
social media or independent websites.

5. Government- Various government departments use computers to improve the quality

and efficiency of their services. Examples include city planning, law enforcement,
traffic, and tourism. Computers can be used to store information, promote services,
communicate internally and externally, as well as for routine administrative purposes.

6. Marketing-Computers enable marketing campaigns to be more precise through the

analysis and manipulation of data. They facilitate the creation of websites and
promotional materials. They can be used to generate social media campaigns. They
enable direct communication with customers through email and online chat.

7. Science- Scientists were one of the first groups to adopt computers as a work tool.
In science, computers can be used for research, sharing information with other
specialists both locally and internationally, as well as collecting, categorizing,
analyzing, and storing data. Computers also play a vital role in launching, controlling,
and maintaining space craft, as well as operating other advanced technology.

8. Publishing Computers- can be used to design pretty much any type of publication.
These might include newsletters, marketing materials, fashion magazines, novels, or
newspapers. Computers are used in the publishing of both hard-copy and e-books.
They are also used to market publications and track sales.

GE- ELECT: Living in the IT Era

LEARNING PACKET 1: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

9. Arts and Entertainment Computers- are now used in virtually every branch of the
arts, as well as in the wider entertainment industry. Computers can be used to create
drawings, graphic designs, and paintings. They can be used to edit, copy, send, and
print photographs. They can be used by writers to create and edit. They can be used
to make, record, edit, play, and listen to music. They can be used to capture, edit and
watch videos. They can be used for playing games.

10. Communication Computers- have made real-time communication over the internet
easy, thanks to software and videoconferencing services such as Skype. Families can
connect with audio and video, businesses can hold meetings between remote
participants, and news organizations can interview people without the need for a film
crew. Modern computers usually have microphones and webcams built-in nowadays
to facilitate software like Skype. Older communications technologies such as email are
also still used widely.

11. Banking and Finance- Most banking in advanced countries now takes place online.
You can use computers to check your account balance, transfer money, or pay off
credit cards. You can also use computer technology to access information on stock
markets, trade stocks, and manage investments. Banks store customer account data,
as well as detailed information on customer behavior which is used to streamline
marketing.

12. Transport Road- vehicles, trains, planes, and boats are increasingly automated with
computers being used to maintain safety and navigation systems, and increasingly to
drive, fly, or steer. They can also highlight problems that require attention, such as low
fuel levels, oil changes, or a failing mechanical part. Computers can be used to
customize settings for individuals, for example, seat setup, air-conditioning
temperatures.

13. Navigation- has become increasingly computerized, especially since computer

technology has been combined with GPS technology. Computers combined with
satellites mean that it's now easy to pinpoint your exact location, know which way that
you are moving on a map, and have a good idea of amenities and places of interest
around you.

14. Working From Home Computers- have made working from home and other forms
of remote working increasingly common. Workers can access necessary data,
communicate, and share information without commuting to a traditional office.
Managers are able to monitor workers' productivity remotely.

15. Military Computers- are used extensively by the military. They are used for training
purposes. They are used for analyzing intelligence data. They are used to control
smart technology, such as guided missiles and drones, as well as for tracking incoming
missiles and destroying them. They work with other technologies such as satellites to
provide geospatial information and analysis. They aid communications. They help
tanks and planes to target enemy forces.

16. Social and Romance Computers- have opened up many ways of socializing that
didn't previously exist. Social media enables people to chat in text or audio in real time
across large distances, as well as exchange photographs, videos, and memes. Dating

GE- ELECT: Living in the IT Era

LEARNING PACKET 1: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

sites and apps help people to find romance. Online groups help people to connect with
others who have similar interests. Blogs enable people to post a variety of views,
updates, and experiences. Online forums enable discussions between people on
specialist or general topics.

17. Booking Vacations Computers- can be used by travelers to study timetables,

examine route options, and buy plane, train, or bus tickets. They can be used to
explore and book accommodation, whether traditional hotels, or through newer
services, such as Air BnB. Guided tours, excursions, events, and trips can also be
explored and booked online using computers.

18. Security and Surveillance Computers- are increasingly being combined with other
technologies to monitor people and goods. Computers combined with biometric
passports make it harder for people to fraudulently enter a country or gain access to
a passenger airplane. Face-recognition technology makes it easier to identify terrorists
or criminals in public places. Driver plates can be auto scanned by speed cameras or
police cars. Private security systems have also become much more sophisticated with
the introduction of computer technology and internet technology.

19. Weather Forecasting- The world's weather is complex and depends upon a multitude
of factors that are constantly changing. It's impossible for human beings to monitor
and process all the information coming in from satellite and other technologies, never
mind perform the complex calculations that are needed to predict what is likely to
happen in the future. Computers can process the large amounts of meteorological
information.

20. Robotics- is an expanding area of technology which combines computers with

science and engineering to produce machines that can either replace humans, or do
specific jobs that humans are unable to do. One of the first use of robotics was in
manufacturing to build cars. Since then, robots have been developed to explore areas
where conditions are too harsh for humans, to help law enforcement, to help the
military, and to assist healthcare professionals.

REFERENCES

• Luna., et al. (n.d.). Living in the IT Era: Instructional Material for Students, 1-118

GE- ELECT: Living in the IT Era