APPLICATION OF ICT IN EVERY DAY LIFE (JS2 FIRST TERM)

APPLICATION OF ICT IN EVERY DAY LIFE

Meaning of ICT

ICT is an acronym that stands for Information and Communication Technology. ICT refers to technologies that provide access to information through telecommunications. Information and Communication Technology deals with the use of diverse technological tools and resources to convert, store, protect, process, transmit and retrieve information. It comprises of computers, networks, satellite communications, robots, videotext, cable television, electronic mail, electronic games and automated office equipment.

Uses of ICT

The three main uses of ICT include the following:

1.      Communication

Information can be transmitted from one place to the other with the use of ICT.

For example

1.            sending and receiving e-mail messages,

2.            making phone calls,

3.            audio and video conferencing,

4.            sending and receiving fax messages,

5.            chatting and instant messages etc.

2.      Information Processing and Management

1.            typing of letters, notes and other documents,

2.            keeping records of inventory, storing, retrieving and manipulating data and information,

3.            transmitting information

4.            Distributing and sharing of information etc.

3.      Timing and Control

1.            It can be used in manipulating and controlling equipment used in aircraft, ships, oil rings,

2.            automated teller machine (ATM), and scientific research.

3.            It can also be used in monitoring and reporting on status of equipment etc.

4.            Controlling equipment used for scientific research.

ICT AND SOCIETY

Today, Many of us go through our daily routine without noticing how many times we come into contact with computers. Computer technology has become such a part of our daily lives that if it were taken away we would lead radically different lives. Information communication technology involves the use of modern communication channels to convey information. The Global System Mobile – Telecommunication (GSM), Facsimile (Fax), Computers, Television, Satellite, Communication, Cellular Networks, Internet are among the gadgets used for our daily activities.  ICT has led to development of so many things and reduced the world to global village.

ICT and Development of society

The impacts of ICT in the society include:

(a).  Education Industry

ICT is been used in schools by students and teachers in searching for knowledge and educative materials. Other areas of ICT use includes:

(i)  Drills: This allows students to practise concepts through repeated questions.

(ii) Tutorials: which are self-instructional programs that guide the student through new materials, but which allow the student to move at his/her own pace. The student can repeat a lesson if he/she does not understand it the first time.

(iii)  Simulation: Which are basically ‘what if’ analyses. These use sound, text and graphics (multimedia) to bring about an outcome based on a specific scenario. Topics on different subjects are on CDs and can be played on the computer by students. Students can then learn at their own pace. Degree and Masters Courses are also obtainable on the internet. These are made possible through on-line courses.

 (b). Communication

ICT has been the major part of communication, the use of internet, video conferencing; one can communicate with other people outside ones country.

 (c). Banking

The bank uses the high power of ICT equipment’s to handle wide variety of task such as:

·                    Keeping of customers’ accounts

·                    Processing of cheques

·                    Processing of deposit and withdrawals

·                    Money transfer

·                    Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

 (d). Manufacturing

ICT is used in almost all manufacturing companies e.g.  Textile industry, AutoCAD in engineering etc. this makes it so simple for industries/factories to produce many things within few minutes or hours since everything has been programmed.

 (e). Commerce

The ICT has brought about the easiest way of buying and selling of goods on internet which is called e-commerce (Electronic Commerce). In e-commerce, the prospective buyer will book or register for the needed goods or services which will be delivered to them within a stipulated time.

 (f).   Libraries

Almost all libraries are now using information and communication technology (ICT) one can log books in and out.

 (g) Medical Sciences

The versatility of computer and ICT equipment is most useful in medical profession. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, radiologists and researchers find computer to be very useful and indispensable tools. Many lives have been saved because of the use of computers.

 (h) ICT in Government

E-government has become a global phenomenon, especially in the western world. Information from the government is passed to the citizen’s logical decision much faster and accurate.

 EVALUATION

1.            What is the full meaning of ICT?

2.            List 4 gadgets used for ICT