Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

 infrastructure and components that enable modern computing

 all devices, networking components, applications, and systems that when combined, allow people and organizations
to interact in the digital world
 is an important part of our lives and in all aspects in our society
Uses of ICT
1. Communication
past: write letters and send them by a post mail
now: cellular phones
2. Job Opportunities
ICT enables organizations to operate more efficiently. Hiring employees who can effectively use ICT systems have
more time to focus on their jobs that require soft skills.
3. Education
To communicate, create, disseminate, store, and manage information, schools employ a wide range of ICT tools. In
some cases, ICT has also become an integral part of teaching-learning interaction, such as when chalk boards are
replaced with interactive digital whiteboards, smartphones, or other devices for learning during class time.
4. Socializing
The internet and social media offer a variety of benefits and opportunities for young people to empower themselves
in a variety of ways. People can maintain social connections and support networks that would otherwise be
impossible to maintain. They also have access to more information.
5. Attaining Services from Businesses
6. Hospitals
7. Utilities
8. Government
9. Purchasing Products and Services
10. Doing Personal and Business Transactions
11. Expressing Social Advocacies and Awareness
Positive Impact of ICT in the Society
1. Access to information
Access to information means our services have increased as the internet has grown in popularity. Better and often
cheaper communications such as phone and instant messaging are some of its benefits.
2. Improved access to education
Online tutorials and new learning methods such as interactive multimedia and virtual reality are examples of this.
3. New tools, new opportunities
ICT provides access to previously unavailable tools such as digital cameras, photo editing software, and high-quality
printers. Screen magnification and screen reading software allows partially sighted or blind people to work with
ordinary texts instead of braille.
4. Communication
Savings can be realized by using VoIP instead of a traditional phone, email messaging instead of post mail, video
conferencing instead of travelling to meetings, and e-commerce websites instead of sales catalogs. ICT also helps
gain access to larger or even global markets.
5. Information Management
Customer information is mined for data to create list for target advertising. Improved stock control, resulting in less
waste and higher cash flow, is one of the benefits.
6. Security
ICT solves or reduces some security issues. For example, encryption methods that can keep data safe from
unauthorized people while it is being stored or sent electronically.
7. ICT allows people to participate in a wider, even worldwide society.
8. Distance Learning
Students can gain access to educational materials from all over the world.
9. ICT facilitates the ability to perform ‘impossible experiments’ by using simulations.
 10. Creation of new, interesting jobs
Negative Impact of ICT in the Society
1. Job Loss
Automation is replacing manual operations. For example, robots could replace workers on an assembly line.
2. Reduced Personal Interaction
Most people require some form of personal interaction in their daily lives and if they are unable to meet and converse
with others, they may feel isolated and unhappy.
3. Reduced Physical Activity
This can lead to health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
4. Cost
Many pieces of ICT hardware and software are expensive to buy and maintain. Running an ICT system usually
necessitates the use of specialized personnel. There is also the challenge of keeping up with ever-changing
technology.
5. Competition
If the organization competes for customers, donations, or other forms of funding, on a national and even international
scale, it may lose out to other organizations that can provide the same service for less money.
Application of ICT in our Daily Lives
1. Business
Business enable communication with people both inside and outside the organization by utilizing various
technologies, such as email. They can be used to promote the company and allow for direct customer interaction.
2. Education
Computers can be used to provide other visual packages, interactive exercises, and remote learning such as tutoring
over the internet to students.
3. Health Care
Computers continue to revolutionize the health care. In addition to digitalized medical information which makes it
easier to store and access patients’ data, information can be analyzed by software to aid the discovery of diagnosis
and the search for disease risks.
4. Retail and Trade
Computers can be used to buy and sell products online, allowing sellers to reach a larger market with lower
overheads and buyers to compare prices, read reviews, and select delivery options.
5. Government
Computers are used by various government departments to improve the quality and efficiency of their services.
6. Marketing
Computers make marketing campaigns more precise by analyzing and manipulating data.
7. Science
Computers can be used in science for research, sharing information with other specialists both locally and globally,
and collecting, categorizing, analyzing, and storing data.
8. Publishing
Computers can be used to create any type of publications, newsletters, marketing materials, fashion magazines,
novels, and newspapers.
9. Arts and Entertainment
Computers are now used in almost every branch of arts, as well as a broader community and entertainment industry.
10. Communication
Families can communicate through audio and video. Businesses can hold meetings with remote participants. News
organizations can also conduct interviews without the use of a film crew.
11. Banking and Finance
Majority of banking in developing or in developed countries is now done online. Computers can be used to check
your account balance, transfer funds, or pay off credit cards online.
12. Transport
Automobiles, trains, planes, and boats are becoming increasingly automated. Computer is used to maintain safety and
in navigation system, as well as to drive, fly, or even steer.
13. Navigation
Computers and satellites have made it possible to pinpoint your exact location, know which way you are moving in a
map, and have a good idea of amenities and points of interest nearby.
14. Work from Home
Workers can access data, communicate, and share information without having to communicate to a traditional office.
Managers can remotely monitor their employees’ productivity.
15. Military
Military makes extensive use of computers for training, data analysis, guided missiles and drones, and a variety of
other purposes.
16. Social and Romance
Social media allows people to communicate in real time via text and audio over long distances, as well as sharing
audios, videos, and memes.
17. Booking Vacations
Travelers can use computers to research schedules, compare route options, and purchase plane, train, and even bus
tickets.
18. Security and Surveillance
Computers are increasingly being used in conjunction with other technologies to track people and goods.
19. Weather Forecasting
Computers can process the large amounts of meteorological information such as weather.
20. Robotics
One of the first applications of robotics was in the manufacture of automobiles. Since then, robots have been
developed to explore areas where humans are unable to go, and to assist law enforcement, military, and health care
professionals.