Page 72 - DLIS408_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY-APPLICATIONSL SCIENCES

Unit 6: Information and Communications Technology

The term ICT is now also used to refer to the merging (convergence) of audio-visual and telephone Notes
networks with computer networks through a single cabling or link system. There are large economic
incentives (huge cost savings due to elimination of the telephone network) to merge the audio-
visual, building management and telephone network with the computer network system using a
single unified system of cabling, signal distribution and management. This in turn has spurred the
growth of organizations with the term ICT in their names to indicate their specialization in the
process of merging the different network systems.
“ICT” is used as a general term for all kinds of technologies which enable the users to create access
and manipulate information. ICT is a combination of information technology and communications
technology.
In an increasingly interconnected world, the interactions among devices, systems, and people are
growing rapidly. Businesses need to meet the demands of their employees and customers to allow
for greater access to systems and information. All of these communications needs must be delivered
in a unified way. By offering a scalable infrastructure, cloud computing models enable companies to
work smarter through more agile and cost-effective access to technology and information. This
unified platform reduces costs and boosts productivity across a business and beyond. Part of an
information and communications technology roadmap should involve consolidating
infrastructures, while providing added benefits to users in collaboration, messaging, calendaring,
instant messaging, audio, video, and Web conferencing. Cloud computing is driving more efficient
IT consumption and delivery and taking ICT to the next level.

Notes “ICT” is used as a general term for all kinds of technologies.

6.1 ICT in Society

ICT has taken over every aspect of our daily lives from commerce to leisure and even culture.
Today, mobile phones, desktop computers, hand held devices, e-mails and the use of Internet has
become a central part of our culture and society.

Notes ICT has made us a global society, where people can interact and communicate swiftly
and efficiently.
ICT has contributed towards the elimination of language barriers. Examples of (ICT) tools are
emails, instant messaging (IM), Chat rooms and social networking websites, such as Facebook and
Twitter, Skype, iPhones, cellular phones and similar applications. A disadvantage is that older
generations find it difficult to keep up with the ever changing technologies available today. The
resistance to change and inability to keep up with rapid technology evolution are areas to note.
Many people in society are not in a position to take advantage of available technology. This may
be due to poverty, geographical location or lack of access to technology.

ICT in Education

In current education systems worldwide, ICTs have not been as extensively implemented as might
be found in other fields, such as business. Reasons for the absence of these technologies in education
vary. Some experts suggest it is the high costs associated with implementing these technologies
that prevents schools from using them in the classroom. Other experts argue that the social nature
of current education systems, which require a substantial amount of personal contact between
teachers and their students, prevents these technologies from being better integrated in the
classroom setting.

Task State your reason how ICT is helpful in education.

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