Lesson 1:

Introduction to
Information and
Communication
Technology
What is ICT?
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) refers to
the integration of technologies used for managing,
processing, and sharing information through electronic
systems. It combines information technology (IT), which
involves computers and software, with communication
technology, such as the internet and mobile networks, to
enable connectivity and data exchange.
The evolution of ICT
a. Pre-Computer Era (Before 1940s)

• Communication technologies like telegraph (1837) and

telephone (1876) were the precursors to ICT.

• Mechanical calculators and typewriters were used to handle

and record information.

• Laid the foundation for the integration of communication and

information technologies.
The evolution of ICT
b. Early Computer Era (1940s–1960s)

• First Computers: ENIAC (1945) and UNIVAC (1951) were developed.

• Computers were large, slow, and expensive, used mainly for

government and military purposes.

• Communication still relied on telephones and postal services.

• Marked the beginning of information processing using machines.

The evolution of ICT
c. Mainframe Era (1960s–1970s)

• Large mainframe computers were used in businesses,

government, and universities.

• Birth of early communication networks (e.g., ARPANET in 1969,

the precursor to the internet).

• Set the stage for combining information processing and

communication technologies.
The evolution of ICT
d. Personal Computer and Internet Era (1980s–1990s)

• Introduction of personal computers (e.g., IBM PC in 1981, Apple

Macintosh in 1984).

• The Internet became accessible to the public in the 1990s.

• Development of email, web browsers (e.g., Netscape), and early

websites.

• ICT became widely available for personal and business use.

• Enhanced communication with tools like email and chat platforms.

The evolution of ICT
e. Mobile and Wireless Era (2000s–2010s)

• Proliferation of mobile phones and smartphones (e.g., iPhone in 2007).

• Rise of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

• Wireless communication technologies (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) became

mainstream.

• Cloud computing enabled storage and data sharing online.

• ICT became portable, fast, and integrated into everyday life.

The evolution of ICT
f. Emerging Technologies Era (2010s–Present)

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Virtual assistants (e.g., Siri, Alexa), chatbots, and automation.

• Internet of Things (IoT): Smart devices connected via the internet.

• 5G Networks: Faster and more reliable mobile internet.

• Blockchain: Revolutionized digital transactions and record-keeping.

• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): Enhanced gaming, education, and
training experiences.

• ICT is now integrated into every sector, driving innovation and efficiency.
Examples of ICT in everyday life
a. Communication

• Social Media Platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter for sharing

information and staying connected.

• Messaging Apps: WhatsApp, Telegram, iMessage for instant

communication.

• Emails: Gmail, Outlook for formal and professional communication.

• Video Conferencing Tools: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet for

virtual meetings and classes.
Examples of ICT in everyday life
b. Education

• E-learning Platforms: Google Classroom, Moodle, Edmodo for online

learning and assignments.

• Online Courses: Coursera, Khan Academy, Udemy for self-paced

learning.

• Digital Libraries: Access to books, research papers, and journals

online (e.g., JSTOR, Project Gutenberg).

• Educational Apps: Duolingo for learning languages, Photomath for

solving math problems
Examples of ICT in everyday life
c. Business and Work

• Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace (Docs,

Sheets, Slides) for teamwork.

• Project Management Software: Trello, Asana for task organization.

• E-commerce: Platforms like Amazon, eBay, Shopify for online

shopping.

• Digital Marketing Tools: Google Ads, social media analytics tools for
promoting businesses.
Examples of ICT in everyday life
d. Entertainment

Streaming Services: Netflix, Spotify, YouTube for movies, music, and

videos.

Gaming Platforms: Xbox Live, Steam, PlayStation Network for online

gaming.

Creative Tools: Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva for photo, video, and
graphic design
Examples of ICT in everyday life
e. Health and Fitness

Telemedicine Apps: Doctor consultation platforms like Teladoc and

Practo.

Wearable Devices: Smartwatches (e.g., Fitbit, Apple Watch) for tracking

health metrics.

Fitness Apps: MyFitnessPal, Nike Training Club for exercise and diet
tracking.

Online Health Records: Accessing medical records via patient portals.

Examples of ICT in everyday life
f. Smart Homes

Home Automation: Devices like Alexa, Google Nest, and smart

thermostats.

Security: Smart CCTV cameras and door locks for monitoring homes
remotely.

Appliances: Smart refrigerators, washing machines, and lights

controlled via mobile apps.
Examples of ICT in everyday life
g. News and Information

Online News Portals: BBC, CNN, Reuters for staying updated.

RSS Feeds and Aggregators: Google News, Flipboard for personalized

content.

Weather Apps: Real-time weather updates and forecasts (e.g.,

AccuWeather)
Key Components of ICT

Hardware: Physical devices like computers,

smartphones, servers, and networking equipment.

Example: Laptops, tablets, routers, and

printers.
Key Components of ICT

Software: Programs and applications that process

and manage information.

Example: Operating systems, word

processors, web browsers, and
email apps.
Key Components of ICT

Communication Technologies: Systems that

enable connectivity and information sharing.

Example: The internet, mobile networks

(4G, 5G), Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.
Impact of ICT in the Society
Impact of ICT on Education

ICT has transformed education by enhancing

teaching, learning, and administrative processes.
Impact of ICT on Education

a. Improved Access to Education

• Online Learning Platforms: ICT enables students to learn from

anywhere through platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy,
and Google Classroom.

• Distance Education: Remote learning options provide access

to quality education for students in rural or underserved
areas.

• Open Educational Resources (OERs): Free online materials

(e.g., eBooks, lecture videos) help reduce educational costs.
Impact of ICT on Education

b. Enhanced Teaching and Learning Methods

• Interactive Learning Tools: Smartboards, virtual labs, and

educational apps make lessons engaging and interactive.

• Personalized Learning: AI-based tools adapt lessons to

individual students' learning styles and pace (e.g., Duolingo,
Mathletics).

• Gamification: Educational games motivate students to learn

through fun, game-like experiences.
Impact of ICT in the Society
Impact of ICT on Business

ICT (Information and Communication Technology)

has profoundly transformed how businesses operate,
communicate, and compete.
Impact of ICT on Business

a. Enhanced Communication

• Internal Communication: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom

enable real-time communication and collaboration among employees,
even across different locations.

• External Communication: ICT improves customer interaction through

email, chatbots, and social media platforms.

• Global Reach: Businesses can connect with clients, suppliers, and

partners worldwide via video conferencing and other digital
communication tools.
Impact of ICT on Business

b. Increased Productivity and Efficiency

• Automation of Processes: Tools like ERP (Enterprise Resource

Planning) systems streamline processes such as inventory
management, payroll, and order processing.

• Cloud Computing: Platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365

allow employees to work collaboratively and access files remotely,
improving productivity.

• AI and Machine Learning: Automates repetitive tasks, freeing

employees for more strategic roles.
Impact of ICT on Business

c. Better Data Management and Analytics

• Data Storage: ICT provides businesses with advanced storage

solutions, such as cloud-based systems, to manage large volumes of
data securely.

• Business Intelligence Tools: Applications like Tableau and Power BI

help businesses analyze data and make informed decisions.

• Customer Insights: ICT enables companies to gather and analyze

customer data, improving marketing strategies and product
development.
Impact of ICT on Business

d. Innovation and Competitive Advantage

• Product Innovation: ICT drives innovation through technologies like AI,

IoT (Internet of Things), and blockchain.

• Faster Market Entry: Businesses can launch products quickly using ICT-
enabled design, production, and marketing tools.

• Competitive Insights: Real-time monitoring of competitors’ activities

and market trends helps businesses stay ahead.
Impact of ICT in the Society
Impact of ICT on Government

has significantly transformed how governments

operate, deliver services, and interact with citizens.
Impact of ICT on Government

a. Enhanced Government Services (E-Government)

• Online Service Portals: Citizens can access services like applying for
licenses, paying taxes, or registering births/deaths online (e.g., eGov
portals).

• 24/7 Accessibility: Government services are available anytime, reducing

dependency on office hours.

• Digital Identity Systems: Tools that simplify identity verification for

accessing services.
Impact of ICT on Government

b. Improved Communication with Citizens

• Public Announcements: Governments use websites, apps, and social

media to share updates and alerts.

• Two-Way Communication: ICT allows citizens to provide feedback,

report issues, or participate in surveys through online platforms.

• Crisis Management: Real-time alerts and updates during emergencies

(e.g., disaster response systems, COVID-19 updates).
Impact of ICT on Government

c. Citizen Participation and Engagement

• E-Participation Platforms: Online forums, surveys, and apps allow

citizens to participate in decision-making.

• Social Media: Governments use platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and

YouTube to engage with citizens and share information.

• Online Voting: Some countries have implemented e-voting systems for

greater voter participation (e.g., Estonia).
Challenges in ICT

a. Digital Divide:

Unequal access to ICT resources (e.g., internet,

devices) creates gaps between urban and rural
areas, rich and poor, or developed and developing
countries.
Challenges in ICT

b. Cybersecurity Threats:

Increased reliance on ICT exposes individuals and

organizations to hacking, phishing, ransomware,
and data breaches.
 The Ashley Madison data breach that
occurred in 2015. Ashley Madison is an
online dating and social networking service
marketed primarily to people seeking
extramarital affairs. The site operated under
the tagline

"Life is short. Have an affair."

Challenges in ICT

c. Privacy Concerns:

Collection and misuse of personal data by

companies, governments, or hackers.
 In September 2023, PhilHealth experienced a
significant cybersecurity breach when the Medusa
ransomware group infiltrated its systems. The
attackers demanded a ransom of $300,000, which
PhilHealth refused to pay. Consequently, the
hackers released approximately 430 gigabytes of
data on the dark web, potentially compromising the
personal information of millions of members.
Challenges in ICT

d. Technological Dependency:

Over-reliance on ICT can make people and

organizations vulnerable during system failures or
power outages.
Challenges in ICT

e. Skill Gap:

Not everyone has the skills or training to use ICT

effectively.
Challenges in ICT

f. Environmental Impact:

E-waste from discarded ICT devices and energy

consumption of ICT infrastructure.
How to be Responsible Online

1. Think Before You Post

Pause and reflect: Consider whether your content

could harm someone or be misinterpreted.

Ask yourself: Is it true, helpful, inspiring, necessary,

and kind? (THINK test).
How to be Responsible Online

2. Protect Your Privacy

Avoid sharing sensitive personal information (e.g.,

address, phone number, financial details).

Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor

authentication.
How to be Responsible Online

3. Be Respectful

Treat others online the way you want to be treated.

Avoid engaging in online arguments or spreading

negativity.
How to be Responsible Online

4. Fact-Check Information

Verify the accuracy of news or content before

sharing.

Use reliable sources to avoid spreading

misinformation.
How to be Responsible Online

5. Set Healthy Boundaries

Limit screen time to avoid overuse or dependency.

Be mindful of what you consume and how it affects

your mental health.
How to be Responsible Online

6. Be Mindful of Your Audience

Tailor your content to suit your audience while

staying authentic.

Consider cultural and social sensitivities before

posting.
How to be Responsible Online

7. Report Harmful Content

Report bullying, harassment, or illegal content to

the platform.

Stand against hate speech and online abuse.

How to be Responsible Online

8. Uphold Professionalism

Avoid posting content that could harm your

reputation or career.

Be mindful of your tone, especially in professional

settings.
How to be Responsible Online

9. Educate Yourself

Stay updated on social media guidelines and

platform policies.

Learn about digital etiquette and online safety

practices.
How to be Responsible Online

10. Be a Positive Influence

Share uplifting, educational, or helpful content.

Support causes and communities that align with

your values.