Unit 1: Introduction to Information and Communications Technology Lesson 1: Understanding ICT and Its Relevance to Society Contents Engage 1 Introduction 1 Objectives 2 Explore 2 Explain and Elaborate 5 Information and Communications Technology Components of Information and Communications Technology Impact of ICT on the Society ICT at Home 5 6 9 9 ICT as a Communication Tool 10 ICT and Education 10 ICT and Employment 11 ICT and Government 11 ICT and Commerce 12 ICT and the Entertainment Industry 12 Extend 13 Activity 1 13 Activity 2 14 Evaluate 15 Wrap Up 17 Photo Credits 18 Bibliography 19 Unit 1: Introduction to Information and Communications Technology Engage Introduction Fig. 1. Students doing their assignments using computers Computer and internet technology has brought about many changes in the way we live today. The word online, when added to activities like shopping, banking, payment, enrollment, and learning, immediately brings smiles to our faces because it means we can accomplish the said tasks in a more convenient and time-saving manner. Buying gifts during special events or holidays for example is a very tiring task for people during the pre-internet era because we have to physically be at gift shops to find that perfect present for our families and friends. Now, by using online shopping applications, customers are presented with numerous options for gift items that are delivered right to their doorstep. Twenty-first-century learners like you are now capable of accumulating numerous answers to a question in the form of text, image, and videos just by using search 1 Unit 1: Introduction to Information and Communications Technology engines. Teachers and students can now easily communicate with one another while working on assignments or group projects with the use of online communication services like chat applications, email, and social media sites. How would you describe life without computers and other digital technologies? How do you think computers affect the different aspects of your life and yourself? When you think about it, are they all positive or are there negative effects of digital technologies too? In general, how do you think digital technologies contribute and affect society? Objectives In this lesson, you should be able to ● define information and communications technology (ICT), ● categorize the components of ICT, and ● evaluate the benefits of having ICT as a tool in societal development. DepEd Competency Explain the relevance of ICT to society. (This is an additional lesson for enrichment.) Explore 10 minutes Are you familiar with the expressions “OMG” and “LOL”? These two are called acronyms. Acronyms are shorthand ways of saying an expression, a phrase, a name of an institution, a place, or an event, which are formed by combining the first letters of each word from a series of words. For example, the acronym “LOL” stands for “Laughing Out Loud” while “OMG” is short for “Oh, My Gosh!” Can you share with the class some other acronyms that you know? 2 Unit 1: Introduction to Information and Communications Technology In this activity, we will reverse the process by letting you create meanings from the letters of the word that will be given by your teacher. This is a group dynamics activity wherein you will be required to use the letters C-O-M-P-U-T-E-R, to represent the impacts of the existence of computers in society. Each letter must represent a noun, an adjective, a verb, or a phrase. For example, let us have the letter C, which can represent communication because as we all know, computers are used as communication tools (email, chat, and social media) that enable people to interact with one another online. Form a group with a maximum of five members. Discuss with your group what you think are the impacts of computers based on your observations and experience. Then, choose which of those can be represented using the letters of the word computer. Provide a short explanation for each of your choices. Use the table below to write your answers. Letter Word Explanation C O M P U T E R 3 Unit 1: Introduction to Information and Communications Technology Guide Questions 1. With all the words that you have included in the activity, which word or phrase was the hardest to provide? Which was the easiest? 2. Which word or phrase do you think represents the most significant effect of having computers in society? Which word or phrase do you think represents its least significant contribution? 3. How do you think your life would be if computers did not exist up to now? 4 Unit 1: Introduction to Information and Communications Technology Explain and Elaborate Information and Communications Technology Information and communications technology (ICT) refers to all electronic and communication technologies that enable the management and distribution of information. There is currently no universally accepted definition of ICT, considering that the various components, concepts, and tools related to ICT are evolving rapidly. However, the generally accepted definition provided by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), defined ICT as "basic information-handling tools, a varied set of goods, applications, and services that are used to produce, store, process, distribute, and exchange information. They include the "old" ICTs of radio, television, and telephone, and the "new" ICTs of computers, satellite and wireless technology, and the internet. These different tools are now able to work together, and combine to form our "networked world"—a massive infrastructure of interconnected telephone services, standardized computing hardware, and television, which reaches into every corner of the globe." ICT also includes social media, music and video streaming platforms, software, and the applications installed in your smartphones. The coverage of ICT is far-reaching, and the list continues to grow as new technologies emerge such as smart TVs, 3D printing and self-driving cars. ICT is a combination of its components—people, data, procedures, hardware, software, and information—that has to work hand in hand to create systems that aim to improve our way of performing day-to-day activities and enable us to communicate easily. How can you differentiate information and communications technology (ICT) from information technology (IT)? 5 Unit 1: Introduction to Information and Communications Technology Components of Information and Communications Technology Information and communications technology (ICT) is composed of six components: people, data, procedures, hardware, software, and information. These components are equally important to the processes within an ICT system. Fig. 2. Components of information and communications technology People People refer to individuals who are responsible for the development, improvement, and maintenance of an ICT system. People are also responsible for the input and supply of data to the system and make decisions from the output information from the system. They include computer programmers, computer engineers, technicians, graphic designers, web developers, encoders, and systems analysts. Procedures Procedures are actions performed in a certain order and condition to make sure an ICT system runs smoothly. This also includes the exchange of data or information between different people or systems. Procedures are important in guiding the people or system what to do when situations such as accidental deletion of data and system failures happen. Hardware Hardware is the technical term used to describe physical or tangible parts of an ICT system. If you can touch it, then it is considered hardware. Examples include input devices (mouse, keyboards, touch screens, microphones, digital cameras, etc.), storage (hard drives, flash drives, SD cards, etc.), processors (central processing unit, graphics processing unit, etc.), 6 Unit 1: Introduction to Information and Communications Technology and output devices (monitors, printers, speakers, 3D printers, etc.). Communication devices that enable the distribution of data across networks are also categorized as hardware. Fig. 3. A laptop, tablet, and smartphone are hardware devices. Software Software is the generic term for programs and applications installed on your personal computer, laptop, or smartphone. It is an ICT component that is responsible for providing sets of instructions that the computer has to follow to accomplish a specific task. Word processing software, spreadsheets, graphic and photo manipulation software, antivirus software, computer games, and operating systems are just a few of the items that are included in this category. Fig. 4. Apache OpenOffice is a free and open-source productivity software composed of a word processor (left image), a spreadsheet, a presentation application (right image), a drawing application, a formula editor, and a database management application. 7 Unit 1: Introduction to Information and Communications Technology Both hardware and software are ICT components that people can continuously develop to increase efficiency and productivity. For example, a printer, which is a hardware, has changed a lot from being a slow noisy dot matrix printer that prints in black and white to the wireless laser printers that can print multicolored documents rapidly. What is one hardware or software that greatly improved in the past ten years and its effect on you as a student? Data Data are the raw facts or figures that can be processed, stored, and transmitted by an ICT system. Examples of data include sets of numbers, the characters in a document or website, audio and video recordings, and transaction records. Data, when viewed by us, can seem simple, random, and without meaning, until it is processed and organized, which transforms the data into information. Data are the building blocks of information much like the individual pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Information Information is the result of processed, organized, and structured data. It is the output of an ICT system with context and meaning that makes it useful for the people using the system. Recall that data is like the individual pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. After you have organized and put each piece in its right place (processing) that you see the whole image—you have transformed data into information. Another example of data is a list of student scores in an exam. Information is the calculated average score since a user, in this case a teacher, can use that information to identify which students are struggling if their scores are below average. 8 Unit 1: Introduction to Information and Communications Technology Impact of ICT on the Society The developments in ICT have become one of the greatest influences in shaping our society. From the moment we wake up until we close our eyes to sleep, our lives are affected by the marvelous inventions brought about by ICT. Computers, the most popular icon of ICT, are present almost everywhere—from our homes, schools, churches, hospitals, government offices, restaurants, and grocery stores, to name a few. This serves as proof that ICT plays an important role in almost all aspects of our society. Computers pave the way for a more convenient, efficient, and effective way of performing day-to-day transactions. Even our regular buddy, the smartphone, is a product of ICT. What do you think your life would be like if there were no products of ICT such as computers or smartphones? ICT at Home ICT is undeniably present in our home when we do our daily household activities. With the use of laptops, desktop computers, and internet connectivity, children can now accomplish their homework, research, and school reports in the comfort of their bedrooms while listening to their favorite music. Mothers can always surprise their families by preparing dishes that they learned from watching videos or by accessing recipe books from cooking channels and websites. Fixing the faucet and repainting the fence now becomes an easy task for fathers because they are guided by do-it-yourself (DIY) tutorials from video-streaming websites, which are usually offered for free and available all the time. The whole family can also be entertained by watching movies using multimedia devices like television sets or play their favorite video games using home video game consoles. Aside from entertainment, products of ICT such as CCTV or IP cameras can also provide security to our homes. 9 Unit 1: Introduction to Information and Communications Technology ICT as a Communication Tool Our way of communicating has changed dramatically through the development of mobile phones that are capable of connecting to the internet and the introduction of applications that support different formats of communication. These developments in communications technology have connected millions of people across great distances using modern communication methods such as chat, email, video chat, and social media platforms. Its effect is very evident in the delivery of crisp-sounding voice calls, high definition (HD) quality video streams, and real-time chat responses that have brought families and friends closer together. ICT and Education ICT has greatly affected the education sector, bringing about the enhanced facilitation of learning through computer-aided learning, e-learning, educational games, and learning management systems (LMS). Classrooms are often equipped with multimedia devices like projectors, smart televisions (smart TV), and computers so that teachers can make use of multimedia materials like pictures, audio, and videos for their lesson presentations. Classes have become more creative and interactive for students because Fig. 5. Students use laptops inside the classroom to enhance learning. of the learning tools that their teachers have downloaded from the internet. With the use of search engines and learning communities, students are now capable of gaining new knowledge and skills that will help them study in advance or learn about various topics that are not included in their curriculum. 10 Unit 1: Introduction to Information and Communications Technology ICT and Employment The internet has empowered people by providing them with a way to work without the need to leave the comforts of their home. Many occupations such as teaching, secretarial work, graphic design, medical transcription, and telemarketing are now being offered as online jobs that allow Fig. 6. Employees can now work anywhere as long as they have internet connection. people to perform tasks assigned to them using online platforms. This is very valuable, especially for mothers who want to take care of their children while earning money for their needs. ICT and Government The Philippine government recognizes ICT as an effective tool in delivering quality and efficient services to its people. E-governance (or e-government) is a standard practice in most of our government agencies, that encourages the use of ICT to improve the access and delivery of government services like tax filing, document registration, and file requests to the public. With the passing of Executive Order No. 02, s. 2016 or the “Operationalizing in the Executive Branch the People’s Constitutional Right to Information and the State Policies to Full Public Disclosure and Transparency in the Public Service,” government agencies under the executive department are now required to upload their documents for the public to view and scrutinize to promoting transparency and good governance. In addition, different branches of the government—including city and municipal government—are starting to utilize social media sites to cascade information and respond to the issues of their constituents swiftly. ICT and Commerce In the Philippines, online shops have become very popular through the rise of smartphones and the continuous development of internet infrastructure. Goods as simple as toothpicks up to gigantic-sized LED TVs can now be purchased just by clicking a few buttons on an application. This technology has empowered business owners by allowing them to sell 11 Unit 1: Introduction to Information and Communications Technology products without the need for physical stores. Customers benefit from this technology because of the capability of buying items from a wide variety of choices that can be ordered in several clicks. What are the advantages that you experienced while purchasing products online? ICT and the Entertainment Industry Local media outfits have adopted a new form of delivering their content to their audience through online video streaming. Viewers will have no problem missing their favorite television shows since all the episodes are uploaded on the internet, making them accessible 24/7 through the use of a smart TV, a laptop or computer, or even a smartphone with an internet connection. It empowers the audience by allowing them to watch only the shows they like, sometimes without advertisements, at their own convenience. The advent of machine learning has also impacted the way we consume content by giving us recommendations based on what we watched or listened to before. Parents can also benefit using this technology because they can use the settings to select shows that are suitable for their children. Movies, documentaries, and even songs can be made available on-demand using applications for streaming and downloading media. 12 Unit 1: Introduction to Information and Communications Technology Extend Activity 1 Listed below are ICT-related items. Classify the following items as either hardware, software, or people by writing them in their appropriate boxes: ● web camera ● word processor ● speakers ● music ● ● ● streaming ● computer ● animator ● printer engineer ● web ● spreadsheet developer ● web designer multimedia projector ● mouse ● motherboard computer ● web browser ● Flash drive monitor ● video game app ● data analyst software ● keyboard engineer Hardware Software People 13 Unit 1: Introduction to Information and Communications Technology Guide You must remember that hardware refers to computer components that are physical and tangible in nature. Tangible means it can be seen or touched, so if you are able to see or hold the item listed as choices, that is absolutely a hardware. Software are computer programs or applications that are used to accomplish tasks. If the item helped you in creating a document or editing a picture or video, it is probably software. People are individuals working with computers. They are professionals, so if the item sounds like a job category, it is definitely a peopleware item. Activity 2 Complete the table below by listing down activities that you do from the time you wake up until you sleep that involves the use of ICT. ● The first column must be filled with activities done with ICT. (Example: watching videos, chatting with friends, or doing homework) ● The second column must be listed with the hardware used in the activity written on the first column. For example, a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop computer can be used to watch videos. ● The third column must be listed with the software used in the activity written on the first column. For example, to watch videos on a smartphone, you need a video-streaming application. Activity Hardware Used Software Used 14 Unit 1: Introduction to Information and Communications Technology Guide You may refer to the table below for a sample answer. Activity Hardware Used Software Used watching video smartphone video streaming application Evaluate A. Answer the following completely in your own words. 1. What is information and communications technology (ICT)? 2. Briefly describe the remaining five components of ICT. Example: procedure – determines the actions that need to be done and when software – hardware – information – people – data – 15 Unit 1: Introduction to Information and Communications Technology 3. Give at least one example on how each of the three areas of ICT listed below has positively impacted you: a. home b. education c. entertainment Industry Example Home Education Entertainment B. Answer the following comprehensively. 1. How can some components of ICT help you as a student? Choose four from the six components. 2. What are the differences between data and information? Support your answer by giving an example. 16 Unit 1: Introduction to Information and Communications Technology 3. Do you agree or disagree with the ICT-related statement below? Justify your answer. All information from the government must be made available or can be requested on its social media accounts. 4. A private school would like to come up with an e-learning program for senior high school students. Use the space below to create a plan by listing specific elements in at least three components of ICT that the school needs to include in their plan. Wrap Up ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ● Information and communications technology (ICT) refers to technologies that are used to support the processing, storing, securing and transmitting of information. ● Software, hardware, information, procedures, people, and data are the six components of ICT. ● The impacts of ICT are seen at home, communication, education, employment, government, commerce, and the entertainment industry. 17 Unit 1: Introduction to Information and Communications Technology ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Photo Credits Image by Michael Salinger is licensed under Pixabay via Pixabay. Computer Laptop Blank by user:www_slon_pics is licensed under Pixabay license via Pixabay. Tablet by Unknown User is licensed under CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) via Pxhere. Iphone by OpenClipart-Vectors is licensed under Pixabay license via Pixabay. AOO Writer 4.0.0 Windows in Wine.png by Apache Software Foundation is licensed under CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) via Wikimedia Commons. 18 Unit 1: Introduction to Information and Communications Technology Open Office Impress.png by Jakub Stankovič is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Young laptop user by Unknown User is licensed under CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) via Pxhere. Asian student and teacher in classroom by Tanathip Rattanatum is licensed under a royalty-free stock photo via Shutterstock. Copyspaced image young lady networking home by Dragon Images is licensed under a royalty-free stock photo via Shutterstock. Bibliography Anderson, Jonathan. “ICT Transforming Education, A Regional Guide” UNESCO. Retrieved 02 March 2020 from http://www.itu.int/net/wsis/stocktaking/docs/activities/1103056110/ICTMDGFinal.pdf Doyle, Stephan. “Essential ICT” Folens Limited. Retrieved 02 March 2020 from https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=d3FhwOkculkC&lpg=RA4-PA41&dq Rouse, Margaret. “ICT (information and communications technology, or technologies).” SearchCIO. Retrieved 02 December 2019 from https://searchcio.techtarget.com/definition/ICT-information-and-communications-te chnology-or-technologies United Nations ICT Task Force. “Using Information and Communications Technology to Achieve the Millennium Development Goals” UNDP. Retrieved 02 March 2020 from http://www.itu.int/net/wsis/stocktaking/docs/activities/1103056110/ICTMDGFinal.pdf 19