Wednesday, November 9, 2011
COMPUTER
Before we begin lesson on ICT, we must first understand what a computer system is, how it works, what makes up the computer system and the role it plays in ICT. The term computer is derived from the word compute. In simple words, a computer is an electronic device which takes input from the user in the form of data and instruction, then processes the input as per the user's intrution and generates output which is called information that is dis played before the user . Computer processes data with the help of hardware and software.
Let us now understand what Data is.
Data means any text, numbers, audio, video and images whether they are useful or not, or are known as rawfacts.
So basically a computer performs the following tasks:
INPUT: Sending the data and command to the computer is known as input
PROCESSING: Work done by the computer to produce result is known as processing.
OUTPUT: The result displayed by the computer is known as output.
STORAGE: A place to save result inside or outside the computer is known as storage.
HARDWARE: These are the physical equipments and peripherals that can be seen and touched; they are divided into three main parts, which are INPUT DEVICES, OUTPUT DEVICES & STORAGE DEVICES.
Keyboard, monitor, flashdrive, mouse, printer, memory card, scanner, speaker, compact disc CD ROM, microphone, projector, hard disc
the complex mater
ICT is an acronym that stands for Information and communication technology. However, apart from explaining an acronym, there is not a universally accepted definition of ICT. Why? Because the concepts, methods and applications involved in ICT are constantly evolving on an almost daily basis. It's difficult to keep up with the changes- they happen fast.
ICT in a Broader Context
Your ICT course will almost certainly cover the above examples of ICT in action, perhaps focusing on the use of key applications such as spreadsheets, databases, presentation, graphics and web design software.
It will also consider the following important topics that deal with the way ICT is used and managed in an organisation:
- The nature of information (the "I" in ICT); this covers topics such as the meaning and value of information; how information is controlled; the limitations of ICT; legal considerations
- Management of information - this covers how data is captured, verified and stored for effective use; the manipulation, processing and distribution of information; keeping information secure; designing networks to share information
- Information systems strategy - this considers how ICT can be used within a business or organisation as part of achieving goals and objectives
As you can see, ICT is a broad and fast-changing subject. We hope our free study materials (revision notes, quizzes, presentations etc) will help you master IT!
Lets focus on three words behind ICT:
INFORMATION refers to the organised computer generated data. Meaninful material derived from computer data by organising it and interpreting it in a specific form.
COMMUNICATION refers to the exchange of data by electronic means, usually over some distance. This is often achieved via networks of sending and receiving equipment, wires and satellite links, WiFi, etc.
TECHNOLOGY is the application of tools and methods of processing, developing information. It is a methodology that applies technical knowledge of tools, equipments and systems to produce information.
A good way to thing about ICT is to consider all uses of digital technology that already exist to help individuals, businesses and organizations use information.
ICT covers any product that stores, retrieves, manipulate, transmits or receive information electronically in a digital form. For example, personal computers, digital television, emails, robots, cell phones, PDA's etc.
So ICT is concerned with the storage, retrieval, manipulation, transmission or reception of digital data. Importantly, it is also concerned with the way these different uses can work with each other in business, ICT is often categorised in two broad types of product.
i. The traditional computer-based technologies (things you can typically do on a personal computer or using computer at home at work or school); and
ii. The more recent and fast-growing range of digital communication technologies(which allow people and organisations to communicate and share information digitally).
Let's take a brief look at these two categories to demostrate the kinds of products and ideas that are covered by ICT.
Traditional Computer Based Technologies.
These types of ICT include;
APPLICATION/USE.
Standard Office Applications-Main Examples.
World processing: E.g. Microsoft Word: write letters, reports etc
Spreadsheets: E.g Microsoft Excel: analyze financial information: calculations; create forecasting models etc.
Database software: E.g Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Acess; Managing data in many forms, from basic list (e.g. Customer contacts through the complex material (e.g. Catalogue).
Presentation software: E.g. Microsoft Powerpoint; make presentation, either directly using a computer screen or data projector. Publish in digital format via email or over the internet.
Desktop publishing: E.g. Adobe indesign, Quark Express, Microsoft Publisher; produce newsletters, magazines and other complex documents.
Graphics software: E.g. CorelDraw, Adobe Photoshop and illustrator; Macromedia Freehand and Fireworks; create and edit images such as logos, drawings or pictures for use in websites or other publications.
SPECIALIST APPLICATIONS-EXAMPLES.
Accounting package; E.g. Peachtree, Oracle, Quicknote; Manage an organization's accounts including ranging from basic packages suitable for small business through to sophisticated ones aimed at multinatioal companies.
Computer Aided Design: Computer Aided Design (CAD) is the use of computer to assist the design process. Specialized CAD programs exist for many types of design: ArchiCad for architectural, engineering, AutoCad for mechanical, electronic & other engineering disciplines.
The technologies involved in communication tend to be complex. However, there are aspects of digital communications that you need to be aware of. There relate primarily to the types of network and the way of connecting to the internet. Let's look at there two briefly.
INTERNET NETWORKS
Usually referred to as a Local Network (LAN), this involves linking a number of hardware items (input and output devices plus computer processing) together witho an office or building.
The aim of a LAN is to be able to share hardware facilities such as printers or scanners, software applications and data. This type of network is invaluable in the office environment where colleagues need to have access to common data or programs.
EXTERNAL NETWORKS
Often you need to communicate with someone outside your internal network; in this case you will need to be part of a Wife Area Network (WAN). The internet is the ultimate WAN- it is a vast network of networks.
RELEVANCE OF ICT.
The relevance of ICT in the lives of students and the world at large cannot be over emphasized. The emergence of ICT to the world of science and management has brought tremendous change in those areas of application.
We will be outlining those areas ICT has affected positively. They are as follows:
e-learning is the use of technology to enable people to learn anytime and anywhere.
e-learning can include training, the delivery of just-in-time information and guidance from experts.
Your learning program will need the power of technology to overcome the limitations of time, distance and resources.
A virtual classroom duplicates the capabilities found in a real classroom. A virtual classroom provides:
A place to meet: students and teachers use their computers to go to a virtual meeting place instead of a classroom.
Take attendance: A list of students is recorded.
Lecture: Teachers can choose from a variety of synchronous technologies including slide presentation.
Audio and Video Conferencing.
Audio conferencing can be implemented in two ways:
i. Computers connected to the internet. Common names for this line of implementation are IP Audio Conferencing or Voice-over-IP.
ii. Phone conferences. People fail the same number to participate in an audio conference.
Video conferencing can also be implemented in two ways:
i. Computers connected to the internet. The computers need digital cameras (web camera).
ii. Special video conferencing devices that connect over the internet or over phone lines. There are online applications you can use for this purpose, like Facebook. Yahoo Messenger and Twitter. You can also use them to source for information.
Chat.
Chat allows several people to communicate with each other. Each participant user a computer to type their comments. The other participants can see the name of the person and their comments. You can chat on Facebook, Wagon Messenger and Googletalk.
Application Sharing.
You can demonstrate how to use software applications to remote learners with application sharing. A teacher can also let the learner take control of the application to practice performini tasks.
Instant Messaging.
Instant messaging is similar to chat. One person communicates to another through typing. Instant messaging also provides some additional features. With instant messaging, you can keep a list of list of people that you might like to chat with. The list will indicate he they are online, available for chat or busy. There features make instant messaging an excellent took for learning from peers.
Let us now understand what Data is.
Data means any text, numbers, audio, video and images whether they are useful or not, or are known as rawfacts.
So basically a computer performs the following tasks:
INPUT: Sending the data and command to the computer is known as input
PROCESSING: Work done by the computer to produce result is known as processing.
OUTPUT: The result displayed by the computer is known as output.
STORAGE: A place to save result inside or outside the computer is known as storage.
HARDWARE: These are the physical equipments and peripherals that can be seen and touched; they are divided into three main parts, which are INPUT DEVICES, OUTPUT DEVICES & STORAGE DEVICES.
Keyboard, monitor, flashdrive, mouse, printer, memory card, scanner, speaker, compact disc CD ROM, microphone, projector, hard disc
the complex mater
ICT is an acronym that stands for Information and communication technology. However, apart from explaining an acronym, there is not a universally accepted definition of ICT. Why? Because the concepts, methods and applications involved in ICT are constantly evolving on an almost daily basis. It's difficult to keep up with the changes- they happen fast.
ICT in a Broader Context
Your ICT course will almost certainly cover the above examples of ICT in action, perhaps focusing on the use of key applications such as spreadsheets, databases, presentation, graphics and web design software.
It will also consider the following important topics that deal with the way ICT is used and managed in an organisation:
- The nature of information (the "I" in ICT); this covers topics such as the meaning and value of information; how information is controlled; the limitations of ICT; legal considerations
- Management of information - this covers how data is captured, verified and stored for effective use; the manipulation, processing and distribution of information; keeping information secure; designing networks to share information
- Information systems strategy - this considers how ICT can be used within a business or organisation as part of achieving goals and objectives
As you can see, ICT is a broad and fast-changing subject. We hope our free study materials (revision notes, quizzes, presentations etc) will help you master IT!
Lets focus on three words behind ICT:
INFORMATION refers to the organised computer generated data. Meaninful material derived from computer data by organising it and interpreting it in a specific form.
COMMUNICATION refers to the exchange of data by electronic means, usually over some distance. This is often achieved via networks of sending and receiving equipment, wires and satellite links, WiFi, etc.
TECHNOLOGY is the application of tools and methods of processing, developing information. It is a methodology that applies technical knowledge of tools, equipments and systems to produce information.
A good way to thing about ICT is to consider all uses of digital technology that already exist to help individuals, businesses and organizations use information.
ICT covers any product that stores, retrieves, manipulate, transmits or receive information electronically in a digital form. For example, personal computers, digital television, emails, robots, cell phones, PDA's etc.
So ICT is concerned with the storage, retrieval, manipulation, transmission or reception of digital data. Importantly, it is also concerned with the way these different uses can work with each other in business, ICT is often categorised in two broad types of product.
i. The traditional computer-based technologies (things you can typically do on a personal computer or using computer at home at work or school); and
ii. The more recent and fast-growing range of digital communication technologies(which allow people and organisations to communicate and share information digitally).
Let's take a brief look at these two categories to demostrate the kinds of products and ideas that are covered by ICT.
Traditional Computer Based Technologies.
These types of ICT include;
APPLICATION/USE.
Standard Office Applications-Main Examples.
World processing: E.g. Microsoft Word: write letters, reports etc
Spreadsheets: E.g Microsoft Excel: analyze financial information: calculations; create forecasting models etc.
Database software: E.g Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Acess; Managing data in many forms, from basic list (e.g. Customer contacts through the complex material (e.g. Catalogue).
Presentation software: E.g. Microsoft Powerpoint; make presentation, either directly using a computer screen or data projector. Publish in digital format via email or over the internet.
Desktop publishing: E.g. Adobe indesign, Quark Express, Microsoft Publisher; produce newsletters, magazines and other complex documents.
Graphics software: E.g. CorelDraw, Adobe Photoshop and illustrator; Macromedia Freehand and Fireworks; create and edit images such as logos, drawings or pictures for use in websites or other publications.
SPECIALIST APPLICATIONS-EXAMPLES.
Accounting package; E.g. Peachtree, Oracle, Quicknote; Manage an organization's accounts including ranging from basic packages suitable for small business through to sophisticated ones aimed at multinatioal companies.
Computer Aided Design: Computer Aided Design (CAD) is the use of computer to assist the design process. Specialized CAD programs exist for many types of design: ArchiCad for architectural, engineering, AutoCad for mechanical, electronic & other engineering disciplines.
The technologies involved in communication tend to be complex. However, there are aspects of digital communications that you need to be aware of. There relate primarily to the types of network and the way of connecting to the internet. Let's look at there two briefly.
INTERNET NETWORKS
Usually referred to as a Local Network (LAN), this involves linking a number of hardware items (input and output devices plus computer processing) together witho an office or building.
The aim of a LAN is to be able to share hardware facilities such as printers or scanners, software applications and data. This type of network is invaluable in the office environment where colleagues need to have access to common data or programs.
EXTERNAL NETWORKS
Often you need to communicate with someone outside your internal network; in this case you will need to be part of a Wife Area Network (WAN). The internet is the ultimate WAN- it is a vast network of networks.
RELEVANCE OF ICT.
The relevance of ICT in the lives of students and the world at large cannot be over emphasized. The emergence of ICT to the world of science and management has brought tremendous change in those areas of application.
We will be outlining those areas ICT has affected positively. They are as follows:
e-learning is the use of technology to enable people to learn anytime and anywhere.
e-learning can include training, the delivery of just-in-time information and guidance from experts.
Your learning program will need the power of technology to overcome the limitations of time, distance and resources.
A virtual classroom duplicates the capabilities found in a real classroom. A virtual classroom provides:
A place to meet: students and teachers use their computers to go to a virtual meeting place instead of a classroom.
Take attendance: A list of students is recorded.
Lecture: Teachers can choose from a variety of synchronous technologies including slide presentation.
Audio and Video Conferencing.
Audio conferencing can be implemented in two ways:
i. Computers connected to the internet. Common names for this line of implementation are IP Audio Conferencing or Voice-over-IP.
ii. Phone conferences. People fail the same number to participate in an audio conference.
Video conferencing can also be implemented in two ways:
i. Computers connected to the internet. The computers need digital cameras (web camera).
ii. Special video conferencing devices that connect over the internet or over phone lines. There are online applications you can use for this purpose, like Facebook. Yahoo Messenger and Twitter. You can also use them to source for information.
Chat.
Chat allows several people to communicate with each other. Each participant user a computer to type their comments. The other participants can see the name of the person and their comments. You can chat on Facebook, Wagon Messenger and Googletalk.
Application Sharing.
You can demonstrate how to use software applications to remote learners with application sharing. A teacher can also let the learner take control of the application to practice performini tasks.
Instant Messaging.
Instant messaging is similar to chat. One person communicates to another through typing. Instant messaging also provides some additional features. With instant messaging, you can keep a list of list of people that you might like to chat with. The list will indicate he they are online, available for chat or busy. There features make instant messaging an excellent took for learning from peers.
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