Information and communications technology or information and communication technology, usually called ICT, is often used as an extended synonym for information technology (IT), but is usually a more general term that stresses the role of unified communications and the integration of telecommunications (telephone lines and wireless signals), intelligent building management systems and audio-visual systems in modern information technology. ICT consists of all technical means used to handle information and aid communication, including computer and network hardware, communication middleware as well as necessary software. In other words, ICT consists of IT as well as telephony, broadcast media, all types of audio and video processing and transmission and network based control and monitoring functions. The expression was first used in 1997 in a report by Dennis Stevenson to the UK government and promoted by the new National Curriculum documents for the UK in 2000. ICT is often used in the context of "ICT roadmap" to indicate the path that an organization will take with their ICT needs.
The term ICT is now also used to refer to the merging (convergence) of audio-visual and telephone networks with computer networks through a single cabling or link system. There are large economic incentives (huge cost savings due to elimination of the telephone network) to merge the audio-visual, building management and telephone network with the computer network system using a single unified system of cabling, signal distribution and management. This in turn has spurred the growth of organizations with the term ICT in their names to indicate their specialization in the process of merging the different network systems.
"ICT" is used as a general term for all kinds of technologies which enable users to create, access and manipulate information. ICT is a combination of information technology and communications technology.
In an increasingly interconnected world, the interactions among devices, systems, and people are growing rapidly. Businesses need to meet the demands of their employees and customers to allow for greater access to systems and information. All of these communications needs must be delivered in a unified way. By offering a scalable infrastructure, cloud computing models enable companies to work smarter through more agile and cost-effective access to technology and information. This unified platform reduces costs and boosts productivity across a business and beyond. Part of an information and communications technology roadmap should involve consolidating infrastructures, while providing added benefits to users in collaboration, messaging,calendaring, instant messaging, audio, video, and Web conferencing. Cloud computing is driving more efficient IT consumption and delivery and taking ICT to the next level.
Technological capacity of ICT
- The world's technological capacity to store information grew from 2.6 (optimally compressed) exabytes in 1986 to 15.8 in 1993, over 54.5 in 2000, and to 295 (optimally compressed) exabytes in 2007. This is the informational equivalent to 404 billion CD-ROM in 2007. Piling them up would create a stack from the earth to the moon and a quarter of this distance beyond.
- The world’s technological capacity to receive information through one-way broadcast networks was 432 exabytes of (optimally compressed) information in 1986, 715 (optimally compressed) exabytes in 1993, 1.2 (optimally compressed) zettabytes in 2000, and reached 1.9 zettabytes in 2007. The world's effective capacity to exchange information through two-way telecommunication networks was 281 petabytes of (optimally compressed) information in 1986, 471 petabytes in 1993, 2.2 (optimally compressed) exabytes in 2000, and 65 (optimally compressed) exabytes in 2007.
- The world's technological capacity to compute information with general-purpose computers grew from 3.0 × 10^8 MIPS in 1986, to 6.4 x 10^12 MIPS in 2007.
ICT in Society
Information technology has taken over every aspect of our daily lives from commerce to leisure and even culture. Today, mobile phones, desktop computers, hand held devices, emails and the use of Internet has become a central part of our culture and society. ICT has made us a global society, where people can interact and communicate swiftly and efficiently.
ICT has contributed towards the elimination of language barriers. Examples of (ICT) tools are emails, instant messaging (IM), Chat rooms and social networking websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, Skype, iPhones, cellular phones and similar applications. A disadvantage is that older generations find it difficult to keep up with the ever changing technologies available today. The resistance to change and inability to keep up with rapid technology evolution are areas to note. Many people in society are not in a position to take advantage of available technology. This may be due to poverty, geographical location or lack of access to technology.
ICT in Education
In current education systems worldwide, ICT has not been as extensively implemented as might be found in other fields, such as business. Reasons for the absence of these technologies in education vary. Some experts suggest it is the high costs associated with implementing these technologies that prevents schools from using them in the classroom.Other experts argue that the social nature of current education systems, which require a substantial amount of personal contact between teachers and their students, prevents these technologies from being better integrated in the classroom setting.
Uses
The use of ICTs in education extends beyond equipping classrooms with computers and an Internet connection. There are a wide variety of ICTs currently available to schools and universities that can be implemented to enhance students’ overall learning experiences in numerous ways. Those schools and universities that have implemented ICTs primarily use these technologies to fulfill three objectives:
- Increase Networking Opportunities: ICTs helps connect schools to other schools, as well as individuals within those schools to one another. This ability to network is especially important for students in rural areas and students in developing countries.
- Provide Distance Learning: With the advent of ICTs, learning has become Web-based. As a result, ICTs have started to replace correspondence schools.
- Supplement Traditional Learning: One of the most common uses of ICTs in education involves students using software programs such as Microsoft Word to produce otherwise traditional written assignments.
Advantages
As with other technologies that have been implemented in education throughout the years, ICTs offer a number of advantages to both students and educators when successfully integrated into a learning environment. Some of these advantages include:
- Increased Access to Resources: Unlike the traditional classroom that is locked at the end of the school day, ICTs allow students to access educational resources from anywhere at any time. This increased access to resources is especially valuable for students with special needs and those students who live in rural areas or developing countries.
- Interactive Learning Experiences: Many educators deliver information to their students in the form of lectures. ICTs allow students to access information through videos, podcasts, and a variety of other interactive media, which creates a more engaging learning experience for students.
- Student-Centered Learning: In a traditional classroom, students cannot control how lessons are planned. Through the use of ICTs, students can take control of their learning experiences. Students can decide when class is in session, as well as how the lesson material will be presented.
Disadvantages
Although ICTs can enhance student learning in many ways, there are some disadvantages associated with implementing these sophisticated technologies in schools and universities around the world. Some of these disadvantages include:
- High Costs: Implementing ICTs in the education setting can be quite costly regarding updating existing infrastructures, training teachers and developing quality course materials. To make matters worse, funding for such projects is often scarce.
- Teacher Training: Many teachers are unfamiliar with using ICTs in the classroom and are resistant to incorporating such technologies into their established pedagogies. To succeed, the use of ICTs in education needs to be supported by well-trained teachers.
- Uncertain Success Rates: Currently, no large-scale studies have been conducted that show whether or not the use of ICTs in an educational setting will result in a measurable increase in individual student achievement, making school administrators hesitant to invest in these technologies
Despite existing research and evidence-based studies, the future of ICTs in education remains unclear. Additional research is needed to better understand if a link exists between the use of ICTs in education and improved student learning.
Careers
There are a variety of career opportunities available for beginning and experienced ICT professionals. Computer Information Systems Managers oversee all technical aspect of an organization, such as software development, network security, and Internet operations. People who enjoy designing software programs might be interested in a career as a Computer Programmer. Teamwork is essential for Computer Software Engineers, who might work with a large group to solve problems and create new products. Even those who travel or telecommute must typically report to a team or management structure. Database Administrators (DBA) use software to store and manage information. They also set up database systems and are responsible for making sure those systems operate efficiently. Statisticians collect data and analyze it, looking for patterns that explain behavior or describe the world as it is
