Week 1 Introduction to ICT
Week 1 Introduction to ICT
• What is data?
• What is information?
• What is IT?
• What is ICT?
• What is telecommunications?
IT and Key Components
• IT
– Use of computers, software, networks, and other
electronic devices to store, retrieve, transmit, and
manipulate data or information.
• Components
– Hardware
– Software
– Networks
– Data Management
IT and Key Components
• Application of IT
– Finance
– Healthcare
– Education
– government for tasks such as managing data,
automating processes, and supporting decision-
making.
Information and Communication
Technology (ICT)
ICT and Key Components
• ICT
ICT is an extension of IT that includes not only the
technology for managing information but also the
technology used for communication
• Components:
• All components of IT: (hardware, software, networks).
• Communication Tools: Internet, email, social media,
video conferencing, mobile networks.
• Media: Broadcast media (radio, TV), digital media
(websites, blogs).
• Telecommunications Infrastructure: The infrastructure
enabling communication across distances, including
satellites, fiber optics, and mobile towers.
ICT and Key Components
• Application of ICT
– education (e-learning)
– business (teleconferencing, remote work)
– social interactions (social media).
Telecommunications (Telecom):
• Telecom:
– Refers specifically to the technology and systems used
for transmitting information over distances.
• Components:
– Transmission Media: Fiber optics, copper cables,
satellite links, radio waves.
– Communication Networks: Telephone networks,
mobile networks (e.g., 4G, 5G), the internet backbone.
– Devices: Telephones, modems, routers, mobile
phones.
– Protocols: The rules for data exchange, such as TCP/IP,
GSM, LTE.
Telecommunications (Telecom):
• Application:
– voice calls
– text messaging
– internet access
– video broadcasting.
It is the backbone of communication in modern
society.
Differences Between IT, ICT, and Telecom:
• Key Focus:
– IT: Data processing, storage, and management.
– ICT: Integration of information technology with
communication tools and media.
– Telecom: Transmission of information through
various communication mediums.
Differences Between IT, ICT, and Telecom:
• Examples:
– IT: Using software like Microsoft Office, managing
databases, running a corporate website.
– ICT: Video conferencing tools (like Zoom), online learning
platforms, and social media.
– Telecom: Making a phone call, accessing the internet via a
mobile network, satellite TV broadcasts.
Umbrella of ICT
• Big data
• Cloud Computing
• Data Bases
• Data management
• Cyber security
• Advanced Networking
• IoTs
• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
• Web development
• AI
• Machine Learning
• Algorithm
• Programming
• etc
ICT in Various Sectors
• Role of ICT in Education, Healthcare, Business,
and Government
– • Education: E-learning platforms, virtual
classrooms, and digital resources.
– • Healthcare: Telemedicine, electronic health
records, and health informatics.
– • Business: E-commerce, digital marketing, and
business information systems.
– • Government: E-governance, public administration,
and online services.
Benefits of ICT
• Improved Communication
• Faster and more efficient communication through various digital
platforms (e.g., email, video conferencing).
• Access to Information
• Easy access to vast amounts of information and educational
resources online.
• Automation and Efficiency
• Automation of repetitive tasks leading to increased productivity
and efficiency.
• Cost Reduction
• Reduced operational costs through online services and digital
communication.
Benefits of ICT
• Remote Work and Collaboration
• Enables remote work and collaboration across different locations,
enhancing flexibility and teamwork.
• Enhanced Learning and Education
• E-learning platforms and educational software provide flexible
and personalized learning opportunities.
• Innovation and Creativity
• Fosters innovation in software development, digital media, and
online services.
• Economic Growth
• Contributes to economic growth by creating new industries and
job opportunities.
Limitation of ICT
• Digital Divide
• Unequal access to ICT resources leads to disparities in
opportunities and information.
• Security Risks
• Vulnerability to cyber-attacks, data breaches, and other security
threats.
• Job Displacement
• Automation and ICT advancements can lead to job losses,
especially in low-skill sectors.
• Dependency and Overreliance
• Overreliance on ICT can reduce problem-solving skills and critical
thinking.
Limitation of ICT
• Privacy Concerns
• Issues related to data privacy and surveillance, with potential
misuse of personal information.
• Technical Issues
• Problems such as system failures, software bugs, and connectivity
issues can disrupt operations.
• Environmental Impact
• Production and disposal of ICT hardware contribute to electronic
waste and environmental degradation.
• Social Isolation
• Overuse of ICT, particularly social media, can lead to social
isolation and reduced face-to-face interactions.