Click here to advance to the next slide.
Chapter 18
Technology in
the Workplace
Section 18.1
Information
Technology
Read to Learn
Describe the role of information technology in
business.
Identify ways that technology has changed in the
workplace.
The Main Idea
People want instant access to information.
At home and at work, they use hardware and
software to create, store, and communicate
information. Information technology allows people
to access information from anywhere.
Key Concepts
The Role of Information Technology
How Technology Has Changed the Workplace
Key Terms
technology that uses computing,
electronics, and
information
telecommunications to process
technology (IT)
and distribute information in
digital and other forms
Key Terms
telecommunications
the transmission of
information over
communication lines
Key Terms
telecommuting
an arrangement that allows
employees to work at home
while communicating with the
workplace by phone, fax, or
modem
Key Terms
wearable
computers
a small portable computer
designed to be used while it is
worn on the body
computer-aided software for designing products
with a computer
design (CAD)
Key Terms
virtual
reality
an artificial, three-dimensional visual
world created by a computer
The Role of Information Technology
Computers are an
important part of
information
technology (IT).
information technology
(IT)
technology that uses
computing, electronics,
and telecommunications to
process and distribute
information in digital and
other forms
Graphic Organizer
Information Technology (IT)
Computers
Telephones
Fax
Machines
MP3 Players
Personal
Digital
Assistants
(PDAs)
Wireless
Technology
(WiFi)
The Role of Information Technology
People depend on
telecommunications
for getting information
quickly and easily.
telecommunications
the transmission of
information over
communication lines
How Technology Has Changed the
Workplace
In the past, computers were too big and heavy
to take from the office.
Today, mobile computers are light enough to
take anywhere.
Graphic Organizer
Wearable
Computers
Portable
Computers
Wireless
Phones
Technology
On the Go
Specialized
Software
Broadband
Access
E-Mail
Open-Source Systems
An operating system is the basic set of
programs and utilities that makes your computer
run. Users can modify and redistribute
open-source operating systems such as Linux®.
Telecommuting
Telecommuting
requires that
employees have their
own computers and
other equipment to do
their work.
telecommuting
an arrangement that
allows employees to work
at home while
communicating with the
workplace by phone, fax,
or modem
Graphic Organizer
Advantages of Telecommuting
Decreased traffic
Flexible work hours
Improved quality of work
Fewer absent days
Graphic Organizer
Disadvantages of Telecommuting
Less contact with other workers
Distractions of home
Supervisors find it more difficult to supervise
workers
Equipment expenses
Figure 18.1
Computer Users by Age Group
Wearable Computers
A portable music
player that can also
record speech is an
example of a
wearable computer.
wearable computer
a small portable computer
designed to be used while
it is worn on the body
Technology in Manufacturing
By using computeraided-design (CAD)
and computer-aided
manufacturing (CAM)
programs, companies
can custom design
and make products.
computer-aided design
(CAD)
software for designing
products with a computer
Technology in Manufacturing
In manufacturing plants, robots and
computer-controlled machines do much of
the work.
Workers direct the robots and machine tools
instead of doing hard or monotonous jobs.
Electronic Information Transfer
Using an automated teller machine (ATM) to
transfer funds from one bank account to
another is an example of an electronic funds
transfer.
Electronic Information Transfer
Many companies electronically transfer
paychecks to employees’ bank accounts.
Virtual Training
Virtual training allows people to simulate a
real situation using a computer.
Computer-run flight simulation programs
allow pilots to learn how to fly aircraft.
Virtual Training
Virtual reality is used
in training.
In a virtual world, the
computer recreates
places and actions
that seem real.
virtual reality
an artificial, threedimensional world created
by a computer
Virtual Training
Special goggles and data gloves give users
the illusion of real object or places.
In medical training, computers allow
surgeons to practice proceedures without real
patients.
1. What are some forms of information
technology?
computers, telephones, PDAs
2. How has technology, especially mobile
technology, changed the workplace?
making it possible to work outside the office,
especially from home
3. What are some of the pros and cons of
telecommuting?
pros: work at home, work without physical
supervision, less travel time, flexible work hours;
cons: lack of contact with co-workers,
distractions, problems in supervision, cost of
equipment
End of
Chapter 18
Technology in
the Workplace
Section 18.1
Information
Technology