FOURAH BAY COLLEGE (F.B.C) UNIVERSITY OF SIERRA LEONE FACULTY OF COMMUNICATION, MEDIA AND INFORMATION STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF JOURNALISM, AND MEDIA STUDIES ASSIGNMENT Module Name: New Communication and Information Technology (ICT) Module Code: Dmac 113 Student Name: Joseph Joe Sesay Reg No: 10531 Lecture - in - charge: Mr Joseph .D. Paris Q1. FIVE (5) WAYS BY WHICH I.CT AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR ACHIEVING DISIABLED RESULTS over the past years, the world has witnessed continuous growth in ICT . The New Communication and Information Technology (ICT) has played, and is still playing a vital role in facilitating the attainment of goals of any nation. Five ways by which the New Communication and Information Technology (ICT) serves as an instrument for achieving a desirable results are as follows: 1. It has establish immediate synchronous and asynchronous communication: Synchronous communication occurs when two communication happens between two actively communicating parties. Their is always an immediate feedback in synchronous communication. eg, video conferencing, and instant messaging. Asynchronous on the other hand refers to those instances where in a conversation does not depend on an immediate feedback.eg, Email, video message and text messages. 2. It helps student to work and learn collaboratively: The New Communication and Information Technology makes work and learning to be easier and efficient. This has made students or people to work and learn simultaneously. 3. It performs automated tasks: ICT helps us to perform automated tasks by reducing the manual handling of simple tasks in other for us to save time and money. 4. It helps in the storage of large amount of data and information for future references: The New communication Technology gives us the access to store a large amount data and information for future references. That is to say, as a result of the new communication technology people or students can now store both processed and unprocessed information. 5. It helps in the processing of data quickly and reliably: The New Technology helps us in the processing of data quickly and reliably by performing calculation, write ,copy text, create databases, modify images. As a result of the New Communication Technology people can now no perform calculations, write copy text etc at a faster rate, however their are specialized programs for such tasks such as spreadsheet, word processors, databases managers, graphic, image, sound, video, multimedia presentation, web page editors etc. . Q2, THE COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM There are six (6) components of a computer system namely: Hardware, Software, Data and Information, procedures, Communication and Lifeware. Hardware: This is refers to the physical tangible computer, equipment and devices, which provide support for major functions such as input, processing( internal storage, computation and control), output, secondary storage ( for data and programs), and communication. Software: The computer software is the instructor that tells the computer what to do. software comprises the operation of a computer system. The term was coined to differentiate these instructor from hardware ie, the physical components of a computer system. A set of instructors that direct a computers hardware to perform a task is called programmer or software program . Data and information: This denotes the work that the computer has to do given by the lifeware. The distinction is made between raw data which is unprocessed, and information which is processed later. Communication: This helps a modest computer to be connected to other computers worldwide. They are the connecting system that allows diverse computers to distribute resources. Procedures: These are descriptions of how things are done, steps for accomplishing a result. procedures contain rules, and guidelines to follow when using the hardware and software. procedures are steps for accomplishing result. some procedures may be expressed manuals or documentation. Lifeware: Lifeware was used in the computer industry as early as 1966 to refer to computer users, often in humorous context by analogy with hardware and software. It is a slang term used to denote people using computers, and is based on the need for a human, or lifeware, to operate the system using hardware and software. other words meaning the same or similar to lifeware includes wetware, meatware and jerryware. Lifeware is however the most important component of a computer system. Computer system cannot do everything by itself, for instance before a computer starts operating, it requries the push of a button. This work cannot be done by the computer it self, but by the user or operator. therefore there must be an interaction between hardware and software. Usually there are two types of users, the professional users and the end - users. The computer users /operators or programmers are the lifeware. They can analyse, develop, and improve computer system. They can also complicate the operation of the system. their assessment eg, information need is sometimes faulty. Their emotions may affect their performance and their perception can be too slow. So we can therefore say that lifeware is the most important component of a computer system because, if their were no Lifeware their will be no computer. Q3. COMPUTERS AS A TOOL FOR THE INFORMATION AGE Storage capabilities is a set of storage system attributes that identifies a specific level of storage performance, storage efficiency, and other capabilities such as encryption for storage object that is associated with the storage capability. Basic types of storage devices Primary storage: This is also known as the main or internal storage of the computer. These storage is were the main instructions for the computer operations are capabilities of computer. eg windows, Linux. Secondary storage: This is a memory that is store external storage of the computer. It is mainly used for the permanent and long term storage of programs and data. examples, Hard disk, CD, Flash drive, SSD card etc. Importance of storage devices Storage devices have several importance and they are as follows: Q4. It helps to back up important data. It stores data in order to be processed or accessed later. It keeps and retains information for short and long term purpose. It helps in keeping a check on all the number of users who have access to data. It helps to store and retrieve information. It provides many uses to the users as it provides great-flexibity to the users. It helps in keeping all important records at a synchronized place with loads data security. ATTRIBUTES OF SOCIAL MEDIA The attributes of social media shows the effectiveness of social media, and they as follows: Content:This is the back bone of social media. content is refers to anything that people share on platforms like facebook, Twitter, Linkedins, Instagram, etc, This model focuses on creating unique content rather than republishing an already published piece of information.for eg, if you want your audience to consume your social media platforms, you should publish fresh, relevant information on a regular basis. Engagement: This measures how engage an audience is with your content. Some standard metrics that are used to guage engagement include like, comments, social share, saved items, re-tweets etc. Engagement helps to access how your content is perceived by your audience based on their interest in the reactions. Q5. Skills: There is a collection of related skills requried to drive a vibriant social media ranging from graphics, research, designs, etc. social media skills such as understanding trends, creativity, time management, efficiency, communication skills etc, helps those professionals devise and implement ideas for marketing campaigns to drive business. To succeed, you must have a creative fair and an understanding of what makes content sharable. Consistency: This means knowing what to do, and how to have a social media presences. The skill the person has makes him/ her a specialists on that particular field. The skill also helps an individual to articulate well when he or she is skilled in that particular field. EFFECTS OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION ON THE SOCIETY AND THE INDIVIDUAL Electronic communication started hundreds of years ago with technologies that today looks to be essential. eg, the Telegraph , Mose code and eventually the Telephone. Electronic communication has grown more in the past few decades, than how it did during the past few centuries, expanding its range and reach to include new participants from around the world, and provide new ways of communicating along with the new risks and drawbacks. The effects of the electronic communication are also follows: CONVENIENCE: One of the effect of electronic communication is convenience. The issue of convenience have made the new methods of electronic communication to become popular.As telephones and fax machines were supplemented by the internet and cell phones, communication became faster and more readily available. The internet is know for allowing the transmission of visual data as well as text and voice, nearly instantly. The amount of information available on the internet continues to grow as users create and maintain content. Broadband connections are made available in even developing countries and wireless technology makes the internet available in places never thought possible. All of these technologies are in some way superior to the earlier forms of communication they replace. Email is instant, whereas mailing a letter takes days. ASSESSIBILITY: Another effect of electronic communication is accessibility. The accessibility of electronic communication has influenced individuals greatly by opening lines of communication for these individuals who would have live in relative isolation. This increased access in electronic communication is seen in countries where landline telephones have been neglected in the process of technological evolution; Many Africans owns cell phones that are the first phone they ever had. Mobile device serve both the needs and lifestyles of people who might otherwise have been able to communicate with people outside the limits of their region. In academics students from around the world can maintain contact via e-mail, sharing their work and bringing a degree of equity to universities regardless of their physical size or location. NETWORKIING AND SOCIABILITY: The social elements of electronic communication cannot be overstated and are today a major subject in the studies of American lifestyles and popular trends. social networking has gone through several distinct phases, growing with each new wave of internet users. Today , worldwide networks bring together people who share interests but may have never met. like wise, popular youth - oriented social networking sites such as Myspace, Facebook etc allow people to carry on friendship over long distance. The rise of sociable media has radically altered not only the way people communicate, but the way they relate to one another and even how they view themselves. For sociologists, behavioural psychologists and cultural critics this represents an important area of study. GLOBAL ISSUE: Of great significance to popular media and commercial interest is the rapid sharing of trends that occurs via electronic communication. The ease with which content can be share online means that fabs and trends are hard to localized as they once were. such movements do not wait for the physical movement of people spread; instead, millions of users all around the world can be made aware of them immediately. This includes news, which has also tended more toward a global bent with less local coverage even from local news agencies. For users, electronic communication allows for the dissemination of content far and wide at a little or no cost . This means that local artists, musicians and writers can share their work by marketing themselves in a format that is easily accessible to everyone. while this has resulted in an overflow of user- created content online. PRIVACY AND SECURITY: This is a dangerous aspect of electronic communication. privacy and security have been a concerns of the users since the days of the telegraph. In the internet age, all data transmitted electronically must pass through a series of stages at which it could potentially be intercepted by a third party. The convenience of doing business online- in the form of banking, stock trading and shopping has forced businesses to invent security measures that breed at least some level of confidence in their customers. still, cases of indentity-theft number in the thousands each year and the risks of breaches of privacy are a major concern to many parents whose children communicate electronically. Cyber crime represents a significant threat to economic interests and internet - based espionage has been the target of special security programs enacted by most governments and large businesses around the world. still, electronic communication continues to flourish despite these risks, partially because of the huge investment that have been made into minimizing them. Q6. BENEFITS OF SOCIAL MEDIA TO STUDENT Social media platforms plays an important role in every student's life. It is often easier and more convenient to access information, provide information and communicate via social media. Tutors and students can be connected to each other and can make good use of these platforms for the benefits of learning and teaching. Below are key points that indicate why social media is important to students. Research process: One of the benefits of social media to student is that it helps in research process. Social media have provided a fantastic platform for students to gather data. News updates: News up dates are among the benefits of social media for student. Social media platforms like, facebook, Twitter, and instagram keep student up to date on trending news stories from around the globe as well as on the lives of their friends and family. Sharing information: This helps student to converse with one another relevant information. for classes and exams, they share information. Distance learning opportunities: Another importance of social media to students is distance learning opportunities. Many economically disadvantage of student are unable to attend a regular college, but all thanks to social media techniques. they can now participate in a distance learning programmes and receive a formal education. Job search: This is also a key benefits of social media.This has helped students to obtain job through via social media. The majority of prosperous business use social media to find candidate, using websites, like linkedin and others. Global Exposure: This is another benefits of social media. Students may share and learn about a ton of stuff everyday on educational websites, how - to videos, and webinar links thanks to the use of social media. MEERITS OF SOCIAL MEDIA Communication: Social media provide an excellent opportunity for students to stay connected with their lecturers and others. Sharing of ideas: Groups made on social media also helps in sharing ideas for their projects, learning video from youtube channels has prove to be a great source of learning and receiving new ideas. Benefits of introverts students: students who otherwise have difficulty in opening up and expressing their thoughts can now get involved in learning activities through social media. Global connections: Social media also opens the door for students to get connected to student fraternity globally, student can know international curriculum and educational practices. Instant help: you can share your issues and problems with the online community and can seek guidance and support, and also connect with Tutors. DEMERITS OF SOCIAL MEDIA Addiction: The excessive use of the social media can lead to addiction after certain stages, eventually it can reach a point where it can cause distraction for students not to focus on their studies. Cyber- bullying: Social media can be used as a platform for cyber bullying. students, especially teenagers are often by targeted. Health concern: Most students using social media often face many health hazards, such as eye strain, back ach, muscle strains etc. Q7. Inappropriate content: Not all content available on social media are appropriate for students. Socialization: It is true that social media can help students to interact with one another, but it can however create negative impacts to them, due to closeness. THE COMMON CONNECTION BETWEEN IT AND ICT while IT stands for " Information Technology,"ICT stands for " Information and Communication Technology", IT is defined as the acquisition, processing, storage and dissemination of visual, pictorial, textual, and numerical information by a mirco-electronic based combination of computing and telecommunications. ICT on the other hand is defined as a diverse set of technological tools and resources used to communicate, to create, to disseminate, to store, and to manage information. Information Technology (IT) is all about the collecting, processing, and storing of wait- for-it information. The field of IT deals largely with the methods and tools used in collecting, processing and sharing. These methods and tools include coding and programming, dat conversation, means of storage and retrieval, and system analysis and design, among others. As an extension of information Technology (IT), the field of Information and communication Technology (ICT) includes everything that IT includes but expands the scope. when dealing with ICT computer science comes into play just as much as the collection, processing and sharing of data. ICT puts an immediate emphasis on connective communication technologies. This field hones in on the communication technology that connects the IT world, specifically telecommunications. In the last century, ICT is especially focused on how wireless signals and the internet drive communication and enable the spread of data. REFERENCES www. Techwalla.com www. Javatpoint. com www. hitechwhizz. com https://studymoose. com/ re-the effect of electronic- communication- essay