Introduction to Information and Communications Technology

Course Description
This course is a comprehensive knowledge on the development, current issues, applications and new trends of information and communication technology. It covers data processing, advance computer concepts, hardware, software, people ware, dataware, operating systems and office automation utility tools. The course includes advance Word processing, electronic spreadsheet, graphics presentation using MSOffice, personal and business web page development and the extensive use of the internet.

Objective
Understand and appreciate computer technology, its development and milestone; Analyze and evaluate the impact of information technology in business, industry, research, academe and in society; Display with proficiency the acquired skills and proficiencies in the use of MS Office and the Internet, and; Display competency and ease in preparing documents and creative projects using the MS Office application software. Manifest concern and responsibility on the use of information technology. Display sense of discipline in performing the different course works and; Contextualize the role of information technology within the framework of social development and vision/mission of the school.

What is Information Technology?

A very broad subject that deals with technology and other aspects of managing and processing information. Deals with the use of electronic computers and computer software to convert, store, protect, process, transmit, and retrieve information. Its prevalence has dramatically increased so that it is now a part of nearly every aspect of daily life.

History of Information Technology

http://www.tcf.ua.edu/AZ/ITHistoryOutline.htm

Modern IT
Computers Intel Pentium processors, Memory modules, laptops, etc. Internet World Wide Web (source of various information from different parts of the world) Software applications photoediting, video editing, database, simulations, teaching softwares, etc.

Hardware
Computers, servers, modems, routers, access points, hubs, etc. Telephone lines, network cables (UTP/CAT 5 cables), fiber optic cables, co-axial cables, etc. Antennas such as microwave antenna, dish (satellite), TV antenna, etc.

Software
Operating systems such as Windows, Linux, MAC, AS/400, etc. Productivity software (office suites) such as Microsoft Office, Softmaker Office, StarOffice, IBM Lotus Symphony, etc. Other Third-Party applications such as Macromedia software, Antivirus programs, Email applications, etc.

Information and Communications Technology

An umbrella term that covers all advanced technologies in manipulating and communicating information. The term is sometimes used in preference to Information Technology (IT). The common usage ICT is synonymous assumed the fact that IT or ICT encompasses all mediums, to record information (magnetic disk/tape, optical disks (CD/DVD), flash memory etc. and arguably also paper records); technology for broadcasting information - radio, television; and technology for communicating through voice and sound or images - microphone, camera, loudspeaker, telephone to cellular phones. It includes the wide varieties of computing hardware (PCs, servers, mainframes, networked storage). Rapidly it develops personal hardware market the comprises mobile phones, personal devices, (MP3, MP4, MP5 and MP6) players, and so much more.

Activity
One page article on the impact of IT on your daily life.