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BASIC ICT

INTRODUCTION TO ICT
ICT stands for Information and Communications Technology. ICT can be defined as the use of scientific knowledge and skills to easily and effectively transfer information. Therefore it involves the use of modern technology to communicate. Communication has always been an integral aspect of human life and therefore a day to day activity. ICT seeks to make communication easier and effective with the use of modern technology.
Some basic terms in ICT
Data: - These are raw facts and figures which are yet to be processed.
Information: - It is processed data which expresses meaning.
Communication: - Communication is the transfer or relay of information from one point to another.
Technology: - It is the application of scientific knowledge and skills to make work easier and more effective.
E-learning: - This is the acquisition of knowledge by electronic means e.g. by using educational software and the internet.
E-banking: - This is business transactions with a bank by electronic means such as ATMs, internet and phones.
E-commerce: - This refers to financial transactions by electronic means e.g. selling and buying on the internet.
Internet: - This is a worldwide system of computer networks in which a user at one computer can get information from any other computer within the network.
E-mail: - This stands for electronic mail. E-mail is defined as a component of the Internet and a global communication system which enables users to exchange written messages (often with data files attached) across the Internet.

ICTs: - This stands for Information and Communication Technologies. These are equipment and tools used in ICT. Without these tools and equipment ICT would not be achieved. Examples of ICTs include; Computer, Radio, Television, DVD players, VCRs, LCD projectors, Satellites, Satellite dishes, etc.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF INFORMATION TRANSFER
The transfer of information has evolved with man over the past years. In earlier days, smoke was used to send signals, drums were beaten to send information, gong gongs were beaten and people were sent on errands to deliver messages. These traditional methods came with their disadvantages; information was not clear, information delivered was not exact as intended, it was also time consuming to mention a few.
Then there was the postal system, the use of telegrams and stationary telephones. These were improvements upon the traditional methods of information transfer but were not as effective as the modern forms of communication that came up later including; EMS (Expedite Mail Services), fax, internet-(www, email and chat), mobile phones and satellites. These modern forms of information transfer have made access to information easier, faster and more effective.

INFORMATION PROCESSING CYCLE
Data being raw facts and figures need to be processed into information to make it meaningful. Data therefore, must go through a process to be information. This process is known as the information processing cycle. The stages in systematic order are:

1. Receiving data – this is where data is inputted into a computer system e.g. typing unto a computer. The first thing needed in order to get information is data. Data is the raw facts and figures which are yet to be processed. A computer must first receive these raw facts and figures in order to process them into information. The devices that the computer uses to receive information are referred to as input devices. These include the mouse, keyboard, joystick, touchpad, microphone, light pens etc.
2. Processing data – this is the manipulation of data to make it meaningful. After data is inputted into the computer, the computer works on the data to be able to bring out information, based on the instructions given to it. Within a computer, the processing of data is done by the Central Processing Unit (CPU) often referred to as a processor. This can be said to be the brain of the computer. Examples of processors include; Pentium, Celeron, Centrino etc. The CPU also works with the RAM (Random Access memory) during processing. The RAM serves as a temporal storage site for information during processing.

3. Display of result (information) – this is the outcome of the processed data which is accessible.  At this stage, the data has been processed to become meaningful and accessible. Devices that make information accessible to users are called output devices. These include the monitor, printer and the speaker.
4. Storing information - this is where information is kept for later use. Because of the importance of information, information needs to be kept for reference or for future use. If information is not saved or stored, it means one has to go through stages 1 to 3 of the information processing cycle whenever one wants that information. Storage devices are the devices used to keep our information for reference or future use. Examples include; diskettes, pendrives, CDs, hard disk, magnetic tapes and DVDs.
5. Distribution of information - this is where information is now transferred from one place to the other. This is the stage where communication is achieved. Information can be distributed by human beings, telephones, fax, internet etc.

USES OF ICT
The transfer of information is very necessary in every human endeavor. Its improvement which ICT basically seeks makes it far more important. In every aspect of life ICT has proven to be very useful. Let us therefore look at the economic, social and educational uses of ICT.
Education

Social

Economic

ICT IN DEVELOPMENT
ICT brings about a state of improvement and advancement in our day to day activities.ICT therefore plays a key role in development. To mention a few;
In education, the teacher is no longer seen as the final authority of knowledge since students can now have access to information on every subject matter through the internet and other educational software.
Lessons that require demonstrations can now be played on televisions for better understanding.
Students’ records are now better managed with data base software.
Socially, ICT has changed entertainment; it has added a touch of variety to entertainment whiles improving on the earlier forms.
People now are able to communicate whenever they wish to. They do not need to travel before doing so.
Crime is also well checked with ICT because information about criminals is easily communicated and ICTs such as security cameras deter criminals.
Economically, more and more people are earning a living based on their knowledge in ICT. This reduces unemployment and underemployment.
Efficiency at workplaces is ensured with the help of ICT. Time which was formally wasted on certain tasks is reduced or completely no more.
ICT has a revolutionized advertisement. Advertisers now use the latest technologies to capture the attention of consumers.
Banking has also been made easier and better with ICT. Long queues in banks are reduced with the introduction of E-banking.
E-commerce has also brought the producer much closer to the consumer and distance is no more a barrier in financial transactions.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN ICT
ICT as any other subject taught, leads one into very interesting careers.
Some careers in ICT include;
ICT Teacher: - This is a person who imparts the knowledge of ICT to people who want to acquire that knowledge. ICT teachers are found in schools and organizations where they offer training services. To be an ICT teacher, one must have a good general knowledge in ICT. One may also specialize in an area if it becomes necessary for example; computer engineering, software engineering, website designing and network administration. An important requirement to be an ICT teacher is to have the patience to teach, especially when dealing with people with no prior knowledge in ICT.
ICT Coordinator: - An ICT coordinator sees to the proper running and functioning of ICT in an organization or agency. They are expected to identify problems that may occur in the use of ICTs and solve them. They may also be expected to teach or give training to people in ICT. To be an ICT coordinator, it is required to have a good general knowledge on ICT.
Internet Café Operator: - An internet café operator is one who manages an internet café. He or she is expected to assist people who come to browse with any difficulty they may face. He or she is also expected to be able to fix some technical problems that come with the use of the internet. An internet café operator needs to have strong knowledge in the use of the internet. Knowledge in computer hardware would also be an added advantage.
Programmer/Software Engineer: - This is a computer scientist who specializes in the creation of software and programmes.  A software engineer or programmer needs to have a strong knowledge in computer programming languages. He or she also needs to be very critical and analytical.
Database Administrator: - A database administrator is one who manages a database or a collection of data. He or she is expected to make the necessary analyses of the data obtain. It is required for a data base administrator to have a good knowledge in data base management software. He or she should also be someone who is careful in working so as not to distort data or give wrong analysis.
Network Administrator: - A network administrator sees to the proper functioning of a computer network. He or she is expected to identify problems within a network and solve them. A network administrator needs a strong knowledge in computer networking.
Desktop Publisher: - A desktop publisher is one who creates readable materials for printing on the computer. A desktop publisher must have a good knowledge in word processing and must be a good typist.
Graphic Designer: - A graphic designer is one who combines images and text to create an impression. A graphic designer should have strong knowledge in graphic designing software and must be a good computer artist. A graphic designer must also be creative in order to create the needed impression with his or her work.
Website Designer/Webmaster: - This is one who creates and manages websites. A website designer or webmaster must have a strong knowledge in website designing languages and codes. He or she must also be creative. A good knowledge in graphic designing would be an added advantage in this profession.

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