Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) ICT encompasses various
communication technologies (e.g., mobile phones, internet) used for locating, saving,
sending, and editing information.
Web Evolution
Web 1.0: Static web pages with unchangeable content for all users.
Web 2.0:
- Dynamic web pages where users can interact with content.
- Features include social networking sites, blogs, wikis, video sharing, and web
applications.
- Allows user interaction, web browser utilization, and file storage. Features:
- Folksonomy: User-generated categorization using tags (hashtags).
- Rich User Experience: Dynamic content responsive to user input.
- Long Tail: Services offered on demand.
- User Participation: Users can add content (e.g., comments, reviews).
- Software as a Service: Subscription-based software usage.
- Mass Participation: Diverse information sharing through universal web access.
Web 3.0 and Semantic Web:
- Led by W3C, promoting semantic content in web pages.
-Semantic Web is a movement led by World Wide Web Consortium
- Aims for machines to understand user preferences for targeted content delivery.
Trends in ICT
Convergence:
- Synergy of technological advancements for common goals.
- Platforms enabling user-generated content creation and sharing.
Types of Social Media
1. Social Networks: Connect with people sharing interests.
2. Bookmarking Sites: Share news items or links.
3. Social News: Post and link news sources.
4. Media Sharing: Upload and share media content.
5. Microblogging: Short updates from users.
6. Blogs and Forums: User-posted content.
Mobile Technologies
- Rise in smartphones and tablets due to advanced capabilities.
- Operating systems include iOS, Android, Blackberry OS, Windows Phone OS,
Symbian, WebOS.
Assistive Media
- A nonprofit service aiding visually and reading
-impaired individuals through audio recordings.
The Internet -
Definition: The internet is an information superhighway where anyone can place and
access information.
Information at Risk Certain types of personal information are particularly at risk
online:
- Parents’ names
- Birthdates
- Siblings' names
- Email addresses
- Home addresses
- Phone numbers - Names (first, middle, last)
- Current and previous schools
Online Safety Tips
1. Be mindful of what you share online.
2. Read and understand terms and conditions before accepting them.
3. Avoid posting about future vacations.
4. Don’t talk to strangers online or face-to-face.
5. Only add friends you know in real life.
6. Avoid visiting untrusted websites.
7. Make home WiFi private by adding a password.
8. Install and update antivirus software (e.g., F-Secure, Kaspersky, Norton, Avast).
9. Avoid downloading from untrusted websites.
10. Buy software legally; avoid pirated versions.
11. 11. Don’t reply to or click links in suspicious emails. #
Internet Threats
Malware (Malicious Software):
- Virus: Replicates itself and transfers between computers.
- Worm: Transfers from one computer to another, e.g., ILOVEYOU Worm.
- Trojan: Disguises as useful software but compromises security. -
- Spyware: Runs in the background and monitors activities.
- Adware: Sends advertisements, mostly as pop-ups.
- Ransomware: Blocks access to data until a ransom is paid.
2.Spam: Unwanted emails, often from bots or advertisers, can carry malware.
3. Phishing: Fraudulent attempts to acquire sensitive personal information like
passwords and credit card details.
Netiquette (Ten Core Rules)
1. Remember the human behind the screen.
2. Adhere to real-life standards of behavior online.
3. Know your cyberspace environment.
4. Respect others' time and bandwidth.
5. Make yourself look good online.
6. Share expert knowledge.
7. Help keep flame wars under control.
8. Respect others' privacy.
9. Don’t abuse your power.
10. Be forgiving of mistakes.
Values Integration
- Personal information is valuable and should be protected.
- Respect in technology settings is as important as in real life.
A spreadsheet software is an application that allows users to organize, manage, and
analyze data in a tabular form. Data is arranged in rows and columns within a grid
known as a worksheet. Users can perform various calculations, create charts, and
analyze trends using this software.
Examples of Spreadsheet Software:
- LibreOffice Calc
- OpenOffice.org Calc
- Google Sheets
- Apple iWork Numbers
- Kingsoft Office Spreadsheets
- StarOffice Calc
- Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel: Microsoft Excel is a widely-used spreadsheet program developed
by Microsoft. It is available on various platforms, including Windows, macOS,
Android, and iOS. Excel provides features like:
- Calculation: Perform basic to complex arithmetic operations
- Graphing tools: Create visual representations of data.
- Pivot tables: Summarize and analyze large datasets.
- Macros: Automate tasks using the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)
programming language.
Key Terms in MS Excel:
- Row: A horizontal line of entries in a table.
- Column: A vertical line of entries in a table.
- Cell: The intersection of a row and column where data is stored.
- Active Cell: The currently selected cell.
- Column Heading: The letter at the top of each column.
- Row Heading: The number at the start of each row.
- Cell Reference: The address of a cell, combining the column letter and row number
(e.g., A1, B4).
- Merge: Combining two or more cells into one.
- Formula Bar: Displays the contents of the selected cell.
Basic Functions in MS Excel:
- =SUM(x,y): Returns the sum of x and y, or sums a range of numbers. -
=PRODUCT(x,y): Returns the product of x and y.
- =QUOTIENT(x,y): Returns the result of x divided by y.
- =COUNT(range): Counts the number of cells containing numbers within a range.
- =COUNTIF(range, criteria): Counts the number of cells that meet a specified
criterion.
Other Useful Functions:
- =ISNUMBER(x): Checks if x is a number.
- =ISTEXT(x): Checks if x is text.
- =LEN(x): Returns the length of the text in x.
- =PROPER(x): Converts text in x to proper case.
- =LEFT(x,y): Returns the first y characters of x.
- =RIGHT(x,y): Returns the last y characters of x.
- =MIN(x,y): Returns the smallest value between x and y.
- =MAX(x,y): Returns the largest value between x and y.
- =ROUND(x,y): Rounds x to y decimal places.
- =SQRT(x): Returns the square root of x.
- =TODAY(): Returns the current date.
- =NOW(): Returns the current date and time.
Computer Laboratory Guidelines
1. Usage Restrictions: - The lab is strictly for academic activities assigned by
teachers. - Recreational activities (games, chatting, unrelated web browsing) are
prohibited.
2. Configuration Changes: - Students are not allowed to transfer/delete files or
change computer settings (wallpapers, screensavers, passwords).
3. Equipment Responsibility: - All lab equipment is the school's property. Any
damage will be the user's responsibility. - Teachers should supervise students to
ensure they stay on task. - Any malfunctioning equipment should be reported to the
teacher immediately.
4. Repair Protocol: - Students should not attempt to repair equipment; only
authorized technicians (Sir Jonathan for software, Sir Charles for hardware) should
handle repairs.
5. Software Installation: - Downloading or installing programs is strictly prohibited.
6. End-of-Day Responsibilities: - The last teacher using the lab each morning and
afternoon must turn off all equipment and lock the door.
Advanced Word Processing Skills
1. Introduction to Word Processors: - Word processors are electronic devices or
software applications for composing, editing, formatting, and printing documents.
They have evolved significantly over time, from the 19th century to modern-day
software.
2. Examples of Word Processors: - OpenOffice Writer - LibreOffice Writer - Polaris
Office - Kingsoft Writer - WordPerfect - WordPad - Microsoft Word
3. Microsoft Word Overview: - MS Word is a word processor developed by
Microsoft, first released on October 25, 1983. - To open MS Word quickly, press
Windows Logo + R, type "winword", and hit Enter.
4. MS Word Features:
- AutoCorrect: Automatically corrects common spelling and capitalization errors.
- AutoFormat: Applies automatic formatting to text, like lists and hyperlinks.
- Grammar Checker: Proofreads documents for grammar, style, and sentence
structure errors.
- Templates: Pre-formatted documents for specific types of content.
- Tables: Organizes information in rows and columns.
- Mail Merge: Merges documents with data files.
- Text Wrap: Adjusts how text interacts with images.
5. Keyboard Shortcuts in MS Word:
- Ctrl + A: Select all text.
- Ctrl + B: Bold selected text.
- Ctrl + C: Copy selected text.
- Ctrl + D: Open font dialog box.
- Ctrl + E: Align text to center.
- Ctrl + F: Open find dialog box.
- Ctrl + G: Open go-to dialog box.
- Ctrl + H: Open replace dialog box.
- Ctrl + I: Italicize selected text.
- Ctrl + J: Justify text.
- Ctrl + K: Create a hyperlink.
- Ctrl + L: Align text to left.
- Ctrl + M: Indent paragraph.
- Ctrl + N: Create a new document.
- Ctrl + O: Open an existing document.
- Ctrl + P: Print document.
- Ctrl + R: Align text to right.
- Ctrl + S: Save document.
- Ctrl + U: Underline text.
- Ctrl + V: Paste copied text.
- Ctrl + X: Cut selected text.
- Ctrl + Y: Redo last undone action.
- Ctrl + Z: Undo last action.
6. Customizing a Word Document:
- Home Tab: Change font properties, add bullets, numbered lists, adjust styles, etc.
- Page Layout Tab: Adjust text alignment, margins, size, page orientation
(Portrait/Landscape), and image placement.
Presentation Software:
- Definition: Application software that allows users to create visual aids for
presentations to communicate ideas, messages, and information.
Examples of Presentation Software:
1. MagicPoint
2. OpenOffice.org Impress
3. LibreOffice Impress
4. Powerdot
5. Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft PowerPoint:
- Overview: - A presentation program created by Robert Gaskins and Dennis Austin
at Forethought, Inc. - Initially released on April 20, 1987, for Macintosh computers.
- Acquired by Microsoft for $14 million three months after its release.
- Keyboard Shortcut to Open: - Press "Windows Logo + R", type powerpnt, then
press Enter.
Key Terms in MS PowerPoint:
- Slide: A single page of a presentation; a group of slides is known as a slide deck.
- Design Template: Pre-designed graphic styles that can be applied to slides.
- Slide Show: A collection of slides arranged in sequence for presenting.
- Animation: Effects applied to text or graphics within a slide. - Transition: Motion
effects that add movement to slides as they advance.
- Hyperlink: Allows jumping to another location.
Types of Views in MS PowerPoint:
1. Normal View: Simplified layout for keying, editing, and formatting text.
2. Notes Page View: Displays slides on the top with speaker notes at the bottom.
3. Outline View: Displays all text in outline form, regardless of design, objects, and
animations.
File Insertion in MS PowerPoint:
- Inserting an Image: Click the Insert tab, then choose the desired option.
- Inserting Illustrations: Use the Insert tab to select shapes, SmartArt, or charts.
- Inserting Links: Click the Insert tab to add hyperlinks.
- Inserting Symbols: Click the Insert tab, then choose between Equation and Symbol.
- Inserting Media (Audio/Video): Use the Insert tab to add audio or video files.
Tips for Creating an Effective Presentation:
1. Minimize: Keep slides concise.
2. Clarity: Ensure text and visuals are clear.
3. Simplicity: Avoid clutter; keep slides simple.
4. Visuals: Use images and graphics to support your message.
5. Consistency: Maintain a consistent design throughout the presentation.
6. Contrast: Use contrasting colours to highlight key information.
6 Rules for Creating Effective Presentations
1. Slide Structure - Avoid overcrowding your slides with text. - Use bullet points for
clarity. - Keep slides simple to enhance readability.
2. Clarity - Use easy-to-read fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. - Avoid fancy or
complex fonts.
3. Simplicity - Apply the 6x7 rule: 6 lines per slide, 7 words per line. - Use short
sentences or bullet points.
4. Visuals - Use visuals sparingly to avoid distraction. - Stick to simple animations.
5. Consistency - Maintain a uniform design throughout your presentation. - Avoid too
many backgrounds and colours.
6. Contrast - Use contrasting colours: light text on a dark background or vice versa.
Final Tips - Proofread: Ensure there are no errors.
- Practice: Rehearse your presentation multiple times.
What is an Image? An image is a visual representation of a person or object, whether
2D (e.g., photographs, screen displays) or 3D (e.g., statues, holograms). These can be
captured using optical devices like cameras, lenses, and natural elements such as the
human eye.
Graphics: Graphics are visual designs on surfaces like screens, paper, or stone, used
to inform, entertain, or illustrate. Examples include photographs, line art, graphs,
typography, symbols, geometric designs, maps, and computer graphics.
Image Formats:
1. JPEG – For photos, no transparency or animation.
2. GIF – Supports transparency and animation.
3. PNG – Supports transparency but not animation.
Layout & Design Principles
1. Balance – Equal visual weight distribution.
2. Emphasis – Highlights key areas.
3. Movement – Guides the viewer's eye.
4. Pattern & Repetition – Provides consistency and familiarity.
5. Proportion – Adds stability through scaling.
6. Harmony – Unifies elements.
7. Contrast & Variety – Highlights differences and engages viewers.
Infographics: Infographics combine information and graphics to convey data
creatively. Key principles include simplicity, creativity, boldness, and clarity.
Image Manipulation Principles:
1. Choose the correct file format.
2. Select the appropriate image size.
3. Use captions effectively.
Image Manipulation Techniques
1. Cropping – Remove unnecessary elements.
2. Color Balance – Adjust the tone of the image.
3. Brightness & Contrast – Modify light and dark areas.
4. Compression & Resizing – Adjust image size without sacrificing quality.
5. Filters – Apply visual effects.
6. Cloning, Background Changes, and Color Removal – Enhance or alter elements.
Image Hosting Sites: Popular sites for hosting images include Google Photos, Flickr,
Imgur, and Dropbox. Smugmug , 500px, Photo bucket, Amazon Prime
Photos ,Chevereto, Imageshack
