LESSON 1

INTRODUCTION OF ICT

What is ICT?

     Information and communications technology (ICT) is an extended term for information technology (IT) which stresses the role of unified communications and the integration of telecommunications (telephone lines and wireless signals), computers as well as necessary software, its storage and the audio-visual systems, which enable all users to access, store, transmit, and manipulate information. The term ICT is also used to refer to the combining of audio-visual and telephone 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 telephone network with the computer network system using a single unified system of cabling, signal distribution and management.However, ICT has no universal definition, as "the concepts, methods and applications involved in ICT are constantly evolving on an almost daily basis."The broadness of ICT covers any product that will store, retrieve, manipulate, transmit or receive information electronically in a digital form e.g. personal computers, digital television, email and even the modern day robots. 

       The last few decades have witnessed a tremendous & phenomenal growth in the field of Information & Communication Technology (ICT) in education also which has influenced life of people especially students in some way or the other. ICT is arguably the technology area that has had the strongest impact on society during the past 60 years. The technology is visibly present in our use of computers, smart phones, information search, robotics and intelligent agents, but, has an even greater impact as an enabling technology for a large number of application areas, such as medicine and healthcare, energy production and distribution, finance, public management and transport logistics to name a few. This progress has enabled to get prompt access to any required information. In these modern times of technological advancements, children are more interested in trying out; hence, a teacher should act as a facilitator and should encourage a child / student to advance technologically and in the right direction. In the field of education, ICT can be used to enhance quality and value of education especially through integration.Information and 

         Communication Technology can contribute to universal access to education, equityin education, the delivery of quality learning and teaching, teachers’ professionaldevelopment and more efficient education management, governance and administration. However, UNESCO takes a holistic and comprehensive approach to promoting ICT in education. ICT is the digital processing and utilisation of information by the use of electronic computers. It comprises the storage, retrieval, conversion and transmission of information. (IfuekoOmoiguiOkauru, 2011). 

        ICT (information and communications technology – or technologies) is an umbrella term that includes any communication device or application, encompassing: radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and so on, as well as the various services and applications associated with them, such as videoconferencing and distance learning. ICTs are often spoken of in a particular context, such as ICTs in education, health care, or libraries. (Margaret Rouse 2005). However, Margaret Rouse goes further to explain ICT as applying to software, and not only hardware as seems to be the case in the other definitions. This difference isn’t so obvious, as one can argue that, in order for the equipment mentioned in the other definitions to serve their purpose, software (or an engine) is needed to run them. ICT is the study, design, development, application, implementation, support or the management of computer-based information systems. The term is commonly used as a synonym for computers and computer networks, but it also encompasses other information distribution technologies such as television and telephones. (Chandler, Daniel; Munday, Rod, I. August 2012) A branch of engineering dealing with the use of computers and telecommunications equipment to store, retrieve, transmit and manipulate data is called ICT. (Daintith, John, ed. 2009) 

          ICT covers all forms of computer and communications equipment and software used Page 2 of 24 to create, design, store, transmit, interpret and manipulate information in its various formats. Personal computers, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, transport systems, televisions, and network technologies are just some examples of the diverse array of ICT tools. (http://www.uq.edu.au/ICT/what-is-ICT 2012). All the definitions share a similar notion that, information has to be generated and shared. They also assert that, such information must be digital or electronic. The definitions generally do not restrict ICT to only computers, but also telecommunications equipment (mobile phones, printers, scanners etc) as well. 

F UNCTIONAL DEFINITIONS

 1.ICT refers to Information and Communication Technology which includes media of communication (Radio, TV, Tapes, CDs), Information Machines (Computers, Tablets), Telecommunication Technologies & Equipments (GPRS, Satellite Phones & Mobiles). 

 2. CAL refers to Computer Aided Learning making use of computers, internet and smart boards.

 3. Communication is a basic prerequisite of all human performances & interaction between two or more people in the form of transmission of thoughts, information & commands by employing the different infrastructure available – verbal (oral) or non-verbal (technological).

 4. Technology means "science of craft". It is derived from Greek word ‘techne’ meaning "art, skill, cunning of hand"; and ‘logia’ which is the collection of techniques, skills, methods and processes used in the production of goods or services or in the accomplishment of objectives such as scientific investigation. 

For more Understanding about ICT Click the link below ↓ 

Information and communication Technology for education