Lesson 1: What is Information and Communications Technology (ICT)?

1️⃣ What is ICT?

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) refers to all technologies that handle:

• Information – creating, storing, processing data

• Communication – sending and receiving messages

• Digital tools – devices, apps, platforms, networks

This includes:

• Devices: smartphones, computers, tablets, smart TVs

• Connections: the internet, mobile data, Wi-Fi, networks

• Software & Platforms: websites, social media, LMS (Google Classroom, LMS portals), messaging apps, productivity tools, cloud services

In simple terms: ICT is the combination of technology + communication that allows us to access, share, and create information.

2️⃣ The Current State of ICT: Web 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0

The World Wide Web (the “web” we browse) has gone through different “versions” based on how users interact with content.

🌐 2.1 Web 1.0 – “Read-Only Web”

• Timeframe: roughly the early web (1990s–early 2000s)

• Main idea: Static pages; users mostly read only.

• Characteristics:

  • Websites are like online brochures or posters.

  • Very few updates; pages don’t change based on users.

  • Little or no interaction (no comments, likes, shares).

• Examples (style-wise):

  • Early company websites

  • Basic info pages with just text and images

  • “Under construction” pages, very simple layouts

Role in class: Good for reading information, but not for collaboration or feedback.

🤝 2.2 Web 2.0 – “Read–Write Web”

• Timeframe: early/mid 2000s up to now

• Main idea: Users can interact, create, and share content.

• Characteristics:

  • You can comment, like, share, upload, and edit.

  • Websites act like platforms for user-generated content.

  • Collaboration and community become central.

• Examples:

  • Social media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X

  • Video platforms: YouTube

  • Wikis & collaborative tools: Wikipedia, Google Docs, Google Classroom

  • Blogs, forums, messaging apps

Role in class: Perfect for group work, sharing outputs, collaborative writing, and interactive discussions.

🕸️ 2.3 Web 3.0 – “Smarter, More Personalized Web”

(Web 3.0 is a broad and evolving idea; you don’t have to go very deep with Grade 11 yet.)

• Main idea:

  • The web becomes more intelligent, personalized, and sometimes more decentralized.

• Characteristics (simplified for students):

  • Websites and apps can analyze data and give personalized content (recommendations, tailored feeds).

  • Use of AI, smarter search, and sometimes blockchain and decentralized apps.

  • Tries to connect data in a way that is more meaningful and context-aware.

• Simple everyday examples:

  • Streaming apps that recommend shows based on what you watched

  • Online shops that suggest products you might like

  • Smart assistants and chatbots on websites

Role in class: Can help with personalized learning (recommended lessons, topics) and smarter search, but still built on Web 2.0 interaction.

3️⃣ Convergent Technologies

Convergence means that different technologies are blending together into one device or service.

Before:

• Phone = call/text only

• Computer = work only

• TV = watch only

Now:

• A smartphone can:

  • take photos and videos,

  • edit media,

  • browse the web,

  • do video calls,

  • stream shows,

  • access online classrooms,

  • pay bills, order food, navigate maps, etc.

Other examples of convergent technologies:

• Smart TVs (TV + internet + apps)

• All-in-one apps (social + messaging + payments inside one platform)

• Laptops/tablets that function as both computer & drawing device

For school work, convergent technologies make it easier to use one device for many class-related tasks.

4️⃣ Social, Mobile, and Assistive Media

📱 4.1 Social Media

Platforms and apps that allow people to create, share, and interact with content and each other in real time.

• Examples: Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, YouTube, Discord

• Uses in class:

  • Announcements

  • Sharing outputs (videos, posters)

  • Creating pages/groups for projects

Advantage: Fast communication, high engagement
Reminder: Needs responsible use (digital citizenship, privacy, accuracy).

📲 4.2 Mobile Media

Any ICT device or app that can be used on the go (portable and wireless).

• Examples:

  • Smartphones

  • Tablets

  • Mobile apps (Google Classroom app, Gmail, Drive, LMS, school portals)
    
    

• Uses in class:

  • Accessing modules, slides, and announcements anytime

  • Answering quizzes and forms

  • Recording videos or photos for projects

Good practice: Use mobile media to support learning, not distract from it.

🦾 4.3 Assistive Media / Assistive Technologies

Technologies designed to help people with disabilities or special needs to access information and participate in communication.

Examples:

• Screen readers for visually impaired users

• Magnification tools and high-contrast mode

• Subtitles / closed captions for videos

• Voice typing / speech-to-text

• Special keyboards or switches
  
  

In class:

• Using subtitles for video lessons

• Allowing students to use text-to-speech or speech-to-text tools

• Adjusting font size or contrast for readability
  
  

Key idea: ICT should be inclusive, allowing everyone to participate in digital learning.

5️⃣ Online Systems, Functions, and Platforms

Here we focus on where we do things online and what those systems are for.

🧩 5.1 What is an Online System?

An online system is a set of connected tools and processes that run on the internet to perform tasks.

Examples:

• Learning Management Systems (LMS):

  • Google Classroom, Moodle, Canvas

  • Functions: posting modules, quizzes, assignments, grades

• School Portals / SIS:

  • Student Information Systems – track grades, records, payments, etc.

⚙️ 5.2 Functions of Online Systems

Some common functions of online systems and platforms:

• Communication – chats, email, posts, comment sections

• Content delivery – posting modules, videos, slides

• Submission & storage – uploading files, answer sheets, outputs

• Collaboration – group editing, comments, shared documents

• Assessment – online quizzes, forms, exams

• Management – tracking attendance, grades, deadlines

🌍 5.3 Online Platforms and When to Use Them

Here you can make a comparison list for students so they can choose the right platform depending on the task.

Some examples:

• Google Classroom / LMS

  • Best for:

    • Formal class announcements

    • Assignments and grading

    • Organizing learning materials

• Google Docs / Slides / Sheets

  • Best for:

    • Collaborative writing and group outputs

    • Real-time editing and commenting

• Email (Gmail, etc.)

  • Best for:

    • Formal communication with teachers and offices

    • Sending files that need a record

• Social Media (e.g., Facebook, Messenger, Discord server for class)

  • Best for:

    • Quick reminders and informal discussions

    • Group chats for coordination

  • Not ideal for:

    • Formal submissions or official records

• Video Meeting Platforms (Google Meet, Zoom)

  • Best for:

    • Online discussions, consultations

    • Synchronous classes

As part of the lesson, you can ask:
“Which platform would you choose for: (1) submitting a project, (2) quick reminder to classmates, (3) group editing a report?”

That directly connects to your objective: choosing the best platform for specific situations.

6️⃣ Summary: ICT Today

Key ideas to emphasize at the bottom of the page:

• ICT includes devices, connections, and online platforms used to handle information and communication.
  
  

• The web evolved from Web 1.0 (read) → Web 2.0 (read–write) → Web 3.0 (smarter, more personalized and connected).
  
  

• Technologies are increasingly convergent: one device can do many functions.
  
  

• Social, mobile, and assistive media shape how we learn, communicate, and include others.
  
  

• Different online systems and platforms have different strengths—choosing the right one is a 21st-century skill.