LIVING IN IT ERA

History of Information and Communication Technology

Lesson 1

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.

Introduction

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.

Uses of ICT in our daily lives

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.

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.

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.

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.

2024 TOP SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM

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.

Evolution of Social Media

Summary:

Overview

ICT (Information and Communications Technology) encompasses the infrastructure, systems, devices, and applications that facilitate digital communication and computing.
Technology has always evolved alongside human civilization. While the future is uncertain, digital progress continues to reshape how we live and work.

Uses of ICT in Daily Life

1. Communication

In the past, people used handwritten letters; now ICT enables instant communication through phones, email, chat, social media, etc.
It's the cheapest and most efficient means of staying connected across distances.

2. Education

ICT helps students think critically, collaborate, and access remote learning resources.
Tools like digital whiteboards, flipped classrooms, and personal devices enhance learning experiences.
Teachers need to be digitally literate to use ICT effectively.

3. Employment & Job Opportunities

ICT boosts business efficiency and changes how jobs are performed.
Employees need basic ICT skills, even for jobs that traditionally didn’t require them.
Technologies like robotics in pharmacies help free professionals for tasks requiring human judgment.
Job searching has shifted online, accessible from home through devices.

4. Socializing

ICT, especially social media, has transformed how people connect, share information, and organize for causes.
It empowers youth by offering platforms for social interaction, confidence building, and access to global communities.

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