It refers to the broad field thatencompasses technologies used to manage and process information, as well as the communication systems used to transmit and exchange information.
It refers to the use and management of technology, systems, and infrastructure to store, retrieve, transmit, and protect information.
ICT is made up of three words, namely Information, Communication and Technology
Refers to the knowledge obtained from reading, investigation, study, or research.
Tools that transmit Information:
Telephone
Television
Radio
Information is regarded as processed data. Computers normally process data that are later understood as information.
For example, while typing on your laptop you usually punch in random letter on your keyboard to make up words and sentences. The typing on the keyboards considered as input data while the words and sentences you see on your computer monitor is considered as output information.
Information is needed to make decisions and to foresee the future. For example, scientists can detect the information of a tsunami using the latest technology and warn the public to avoid disaster in the affected areas.
Communication is an act of transmitting messages. It is a process whereby information is is exchanged between individuals through verbal and non-verbal means.
In ancient times, human communicated through signs or symbols as evidenced by cave paintings and drawings, rock art, stone carvings and the like.
Forms of communication have evolved through times as communicating more and more complex ideas has become necessary. And now with the technology, communication is faster, more convenient, and efficient.
Technology has evolved in ways that has made people’s daily lives much easier. Technology has made communication much easier and faster such as through telephones, fax machines, mobile devices, and Internet. It has also made broadcasting of information, such as news or weather reports, more effectively. Radio, television, satellite and the World Wide Web
Evolution of Technology
The evolution of technology has always depended on one thing: the human rationale. Humans tend to think of ways on how to improve task, workload, or simply day to day activities. The concept of technology started off with the basic tool.
Example: In order to build a house, one cannot simply use his or her own two hands to cut wood and place them together. A hacksaw, hammer and set of nails are needed to put these pieces of wood together.
Example: The concept of a wheel also made transportation much easier, being able to move several objects from one place to another with ease.
Humans have developed machines that perform tasks more quickly and efficiently by combining various tools. The idea of a single-wheel transportation device led to the creation of machines that can carry both objects and people. Today, vehicles are seen more as a necessity than a luxury.
Majority of machines, including computers, have evolved into the field of automation.
Automation is “the technique of making an apparatus, a process, or a system operate automatically”.
Are far more complex and are capable of learning. This is where the concept of artificial intelligence comes in. One of the latest inventions in the creation of an intelligent car which is capable of driving and parking.
Hardware
This includes physical devices used in ICT systems, such as computers, servers, routers, switches, storage devices, and peripherals like keyboards, mice, and monitors.
Software
ICT relies on software applications and programs to perform specific tasks. This includes operating systems, productivity software (e.g., word processors, spreadsheets, presentation tools), database management systems, programming languages, and specialized software for various purposes (e.g., graphic design, video editing, accounting).
ICT relies on network infrastructure to connect devices and facilitate data transfer. This includes local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), the internet, routers, switches, cables, and wireless communication technologies.
This component covers communication technologies for transmitting voice, data, and multimedia, such as telephones, mobile devices, video conferencing, email, instant messaging, VoIP, and other communication protocols.
Internet
The internet plays a significant role in ICT, providing a global network of interconnected computers and facilitating access to information, online services, and communication channels.
Data Management
ICT involves the storage, retrieval, and processing of data. This includes databases, data storage systems (hard drives, cloud storage), data backup solutions, data security measures, and data analytics tools.
ICT enables the delivery of digital services, such as e-commerce platforms, online banking, cloud computing, social media, streaming services, and online learning platforms.
Information Security Protecting data and information from unauthorized access, breaches, and cyber threats is a critical component of ICT. It includes measures like encryption, firewalls, antivirus software, user authentication systems, and security policies.
Key components of IT
Information Technology has five components – Hardware, software, data, and telecommunications.
In computing, data is information that has been translated into a form that is efficient for movement or processing. Relative to today's computers and transmission media, data is information converted into binary digital form.
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.