Careers in Digital Technologies – JSS1 Digital Technologies Lesson Note (Third Term)

A career in digital technologies (ICT) is a job that involves designing, building, running or repairing computers, software, networks or data.

Class: JSS 1

Subject: Digital Technologies

Topic: Careers in ICT and the Skills You Need

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define ICT and give reasons for choosing a career in it.
2. Name and describe four ICT careers.
3. Distinguish between hard skills and soft skills.
4. List hard skills and soft skills useful to an ICT worker.
5. State steps they can take now to prepare for an ICT career.

What is ICT?

ICT (Information and Communication Technology) is the use of computers, phones and networks to create, store, send and receive information.

• Wide field: ICT has many different jobs, not only typing in an office.
• Used everywhere: banks, hospitals, schools, shops and farms all need ICT workers.

Why choose a career in ICT?

People choose ICT careers because the jobs are in demand, can pay well and solve real problems.

1. It is the future: technology keeps growing, so people who understand computers will always be needed.
2. Good pay: ICT skills are specialised, so many ICT workers earn good salaries.
3. Solving problems: you build things that help people, such as health apps or games.

What are the careers in digital technologies?

There are many ICT careers; four common ones are software developer, data analyst, network engineer and web designer.

1. Software Developer (the creator)

• Job: writes the instructions (code) that tell computers what to do.
• Examples of work: apps such as WhatsApp and games such as Roblox.
• Think of them as: the architects and builders of the digital world.

2. Data Analyst (the detective)

• Job: studies data (facts and figures) to find patterns.
• Example of work: showing a shop owner which month people buy the most bread.
• Think of them as: people who find the “story” inside numbers.

3. Network Engineer (the connector)

• Job: sets up and maintains networks such as a LAN (local area network) and a WAN (wide area network).
• Examples of work: installing cables and routers so everyone stays connected to the internet.
• Think of them as: the people who build the “roads” for the internet to travel on.

4. Web Designer (the artist)

• Job: plans how a website looks and how easy it is to use.
• Examples of work: choosing colours, layout and buttons.
• Think of them as: the digital interior decorators.

Other ICT careers

• IT support technician: helps users and repairs computer problems.
• Graphic designer: makes pictures, logos and posters with software.
• Cybersecurity analyst: protects computers and data from hackers.

What skills do you need for an ICT career?

There are two types of skills: hard skills and soft skills.

• Hard skills: technical abilities you learn and practise, such as coding.
• Soft skills: personal qualities that show in how you behave and work with others.

What are examples of hard skills?

• Coding or programming: writing in computer languages such as Python or Java.
• Graphic design: using tools such as Photoshop to make art.
• Typing: typing quickly and accurately without looking at the keys.
• Troubleshooting: finding and fixing a fault when a computer stops working.

What are examples of soft skills?

• Problem solving: not giving up when a code does not work, like a puzzle-solver.
• Creativity: thinking of new ideas for apps or designs.
• Communication: explaining “computer talk” in plain words so people understand.
• Teamwork: big apps are usually built by teams, not one person.

How can you start preparing for an ICT career now?

You can start in JSS 1 without waiting to finish university.

1. Be curious: when you use an app, ask, “How did they make this button move?”
2. Practise typing: use the school computer lab to get used to the keyboard.
3. Learn basic logic: games such as chess and Rubik’s cubes train the thinking used in coding.
4. Join an ICT club: meet friends who share your interest.
5. Stay updated: technology changes fast, so read tech news or watch videos about new inventions.

Evaluation

1. Define ICT.
2. State three reasons for choosing a career in ICT.
3. Name four ICT careers and say what each person does.
4. Differentiate between hard skills and soft skills, with one example each.
5. Give an example of a soft skill and say why it is important for a computer worker.

Assignment

1. Choose between a software developer and a network engineer. Write four lines on which one you would like to be and why.
2. Look around your school and name one problem an app could help solve, for example checking library books.