Mathematics, Science, and Technology (Living in the IT Era) Lesson 1: Information and Communication Technology

Course and Module Information

  • Course: GELE01: Mathematics, Science, and Technology (Living in the IT Era)

  • Module Title: Module 1: Introduction to Information and Communication Technology

  • Lesson: Lesson 1: Information and Communication Technology

  • Instructor: Mr. Manuelo C. Austria Jr.

  • Institution: Tanauan City College

Overview of Information and Communication Technology

  • The quickening pace of technological evolution is a defining characteristic of the current era, appearing to progress faster than in any previous period.

  • Year over year, technological evolution offers staggering promise and opportunities, though it is accompanied by significant uncertainty.

  • Information technology is not a modern invention; it has existed as long as there have been people, as humans have always utilized available technology to communicate.

  • Digital advancement continues to reshape the world, encouraging new human habits, novel ways of working together, and the potential to become better human beings.

  • Advancements in technology lead to disruptions and opportunities across every industry.

  • Humans possess an innate ability to quickly adapt technologies for the purpose of faster and improved communication.

Module Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a sense of readiness for the upcoming semester.

  • Identify specific learning outcomes and expectations for the GELE01 course.

  • Recognize their personal capacity to generate new understandings through reflection on the course material.

  • Define and understand the role and importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Definitions and History of ICT

  • ICT Definition: Information and Communications Technology (or technologies) refers to the infrastructure and components that enable modern computing.

  • Universal Definition: There is no single, universal definition of ICT. However, it is generally accepted as encompassing all devices, networking components, applications, and systems that allow individuals and organizations to interact in the digital world.

  • Scope of Interaction: These systems allow various entities—including businesses, nonprofit agencies, governments, and even criminal enterprises—to engage in digital interaction.

Uses of ICT in Our Daily Lives: Communication

  • Evolution of Communication: Historically, communication involved writing letters and sending them via post mail. ICT has significantly eased the process of staying in touch with loved ones through cellular phones designed for long-distance communication.

  • Modern Methods: ICT facilitates staying in touch through various channels, including:

    • Chatting

    • E-mail

    • Voice mail

    • Social networking

  • Affordability: ICT is currently considered one of the cheapest means of communication.

  • Student Benefits: 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.

    • Adopt a global perspective on ideas and issues.

  • Remote Access: It provides students in remote areas with access to expert teachers and learning resources.

  • Administration: It equips administrators and policy makers with the necessary data and expertise to operate with higher efficiency.

Uses of ICT in Our Daily Lives: Job Opportunities

  • Organizational Efficiency: ICT enables organizations to operate more efficiently. Consequently, employing staff with ICT skills is vital for the smooth operation of any modern business.

  • Soft Skills Focus: Effective use of ICT systems allows employees to dedicate more time to job roles that require soft skills.

  • Automation Example: In the pharmaceutical sector, many pharmacies use robot technology to assist in picking prescribed drugs. This allows highly trained pharmaceutical staff to focus on tasks requiring human intelligence and interaction, such as the dispensing and checking of medication.

  • Employer Expectations: Basic ICT skills are now a standard expectation for employees, even in roles where such skills were not previously essential.

  • Job Hunting: Finding employment has changed; individuals can now use smartphones, laptops, desktops, or other gadgets to find jobs from the comfort of their homes.

Uses of ICT in Our Daily Lives: Education

  • Digital Literacy: ICT impacts student learning directly when teachers are digitally literate and understand how to integrate these tools into the curriculum.

  • Institutional Usage: Schools utilize a diverse range of ICT tools to communicate, create, disseminate, store, and manage information.

  • Technological Integration:

    • Traditional chalkboards are being replaced by interactive digital whiteboards.

    • Students use their own smartphones or devices for learning during class.

    • The "flipped classroom" model is utilized, where students watch lectures at home on a computer and use class time for interactive exercises.

  • Higher-Order Thinking: When teachers are properly trained, ICT can lead to higher-order thinking skills and provide students with individualized, creative ways to express their understandings.

  • Future Readiness: ICT prepared students for ongoing technological shifts in both society and the workplace.

Uses of ICT in Our Daily Lives: Socializing

  • Global Impact: Social media has altered how people find partners, access news, and organize for political change.

  • Empowerment: The internet and social media empower young people by allowing them to maintain social connections and support networks that would otherwise be impossible.

  • Skill Development: Online social interactions can be invaluable for developing self-confidence and social skills in young people.

  • Ubiquity and Accessibility: As ICT becomes faster and more accessible to non-technical communities, social networking services have grown rapidly.

  • Sharing Platforms: Popular sites for sharing interests include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Flicker, second life, delicious, blogs, and wikis.

  • Dominance of Facebook: Facebook is currently the leading platform where people communicate and share opinions.

  • Philosophy of Change: The transcript notes a quote attributed to "Heraditus" in the "4thcentury BC": "Nothing is permanent, but change."

  • Defining the Internet: The Internet is seen as the international network of interconnected computer networks. Its primary purposes include browsing for information, electronic mail, news groups, file transfer, and remote computer access.

  • Definition of Socialization: Socialization is the process by which a child adapts behavior to become an effective member of society, achieved through learning or education.

Positive Impacts of ICT in Society

  • Access to Information: There has been a massive increase in access to information and services via the Internet.

  • Communication Savings: ICT offers cheaper communication alternatives, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Instant Messaging.

  • Education Access: ICT improves access to education through distance learning, online tutorials, and new learning methods like interactive multimedia and virtual reality.

  • New Tools and Opportunities: ICT provides tools that did not previously exist, such as digital cameras, photo-editing software, and high-quality printers.

  • Accessibility for Disabilities: Screen magnification and screen reading software allow blind or partially sighted individuals to work with ordinary text rather than Braille.

  • Corporate Savings:

    • Use of VoIP over traditional telephones.

    • Use of email and messaging over physical post.

    • Video conferencing instead of traveling to meetings.

    • E-commerce websites instead of printed sales catalogues.

  • Global Markets: ICT allows businesses to access worldwide markets.

  • Information Management: Companies use data mining of customer information for targeted advertising. This leads to improved stock control, less wastage, and better cash flow.

  • Security: Encryption methods protect data from unauthorized access while it is stored or being sent electronically.

  • Simulation: ICT enables the performance of "impossible experiments" by utilizing simulations.

  • New Job Categories: ICT has created professional roles such as systems analysts, programmers, software engineers, help desk operators, and trainers.

Negative Impacts of ICT in Society

  • Job Loss: Manual operations are frequently replaced by automation (e.g., robots on assembly lines). One worker using a barcode scanner and computerized till in a supermarket can serve more customers per hour than manual entry, leading to the reduction of the workforce.

  • Job Export: Data processing work is often sent to other countries where operating costs are lower.

  • Reduced Personal Interaction: A lack of physical social interaction can lead to feelings of isolation and unhappiness.

  • Reduced Physical Activity: Increased screen time can lead to health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

  • High Costs: Hardware and software are expensive to purchase and maintain. ICT systems require specialist staff to operate, and there is a constant challenge to keep up with changing technology.

  • Competition Problems: While competition is often framed as positive, organizations (including nonprofits) may struggle if they lose funding or customers to national or international competitors who can offer services at a lower cost.

References and Bibliography

  • W. Samuel, S. G. Ajumo, E. C. Anderson and S. Worgu (2016). ICT As A Change Angent For Socialization and Social Engineering. IOSR Journal of Computer Engineering (IOSR-JCE) e-ISSN: 2278-0661, p-ISSN: 2278-8727, Volume 18, Issue 4, Ver. II.

  • Digitalist Mag (2019). Evolution of Technology Continues: What is next in 2019.

  • Ailyn Vlla (2019). How ICT affects our daily life.

  • WikiJob. What are ICT skills.