ICT is all around us—on our phones, in schools, at work, and even in how we order food or talk to friends abroad. This lesson will help you understand what ICT is today, how the web has evolved (Web 1.0, 2.0, 3.0), and how different online platforms serve different purposes.
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
Compare and contrast different online platforms, sites, and content so you can choose the best one to:
achieve a specific class objective (e.g., group work, presentations, submissions), or
address real-life situations (e.g., announcements, information sharing, campaigns).
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.
The World Wide Web (the “web” we browse) has gone through different “versions” based on how users interact with content.
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.
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.
(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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Here we focus on where we do things online and what those systems are for.
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.
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
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.
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.