Information Transmission – JSS1 Computer Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

What is information transmission?

Information transmission is the process of passing information from one place to another or from one person to another.

Behavioural objectives

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

• define information transmission;
• name the two basic methods of information transmission;
• list examples of ancient methods of information transmission;
• list examples of electronic and non-electronic modern means of transmitting information;
• explain audio, visual and audio/visual modes of receiving information.

What are the methods of information transmission?

There are two basic methods of information transmission. These are:

• Ancient method
• Modern method

What are the ancient methods of information transmission?

Ancient methods of information transmission are the act of transferring information from one place to another or from one person to another by using old means of communication. Examples are:

• Oral (by word): We can pass information from one person to another by the words of our mouth.
• Beating drum: People transfer information to another person or another place by beating a drum, especially when there is a village meeting.
• Bush burning: Information can be transferred to another person or place through bush burning to alert the people of oncoming danger.
• Town crier: A town crier passes information from one person to another or from one place to another by announcing it.
• Recording: Information was passed down in recorded form to the one concerned. An example is the Ten Commandments.
• Writing: Messages were written by hand on scrolls and kept in strategic places or common meeting places.

What are the modern methods of information transmission?

Modern methods of information transmission are the act of passing information from one place to another or from one person to another by using modern means of communication.

Modern means of transmitting information can be divided into two. These are:

1. Electronic means
2. Non-electronic means

Electronic means

These are through electronic equipment that requires electricity to power it. Examples are radio, television, computer, Telex, Fax, internet, satellite telephone, GSM, 3G communication and tapes.

• Radio: We can transfer information from one person to another or from one place to another through radio on air. For example, when we listen to a radio station, we receive information that has been passed from the broadcasting station.
• Television: We can pass information on television. When we watch television network news, we know what is happening in Nigeria and other countries in the world.
• Telephone: Information can be sent all over the world today by use of GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). Almost everybody has a mobile phone to pass information from one person to another.
• Internet: The internet is a global system of interconnected networks. For example, we can go to the internet to browse for information, make internet calls and chat with our friends.
• Telex: This method transmits text messages in coded or abridged form.
• Fax: It transfers text messages or graphics to the other end within seconds by way of a telephone line.
• Computer: This medium is used to transfer information in the form of text, graphics and voice.
• Satellite: This is a communication transmitting medium that is located in space.
• GSM: This stands for Global System for Mobile Communications. It is used to pass information from one person to another.
• 3G communication: This is the latest wireless means of communication with high-speed internet access.

Non-electronic means

These are through non-electronic equipment that does not require electricity to power it. Non-electronic means of transmitting information are writing, drawing, printed media and signs.

What are the modes of receiving information?

Evaluation

1. What is information transmission?
2. Name the two basic methods of information transmission.
3. List four ancient methods of information transmission.
4. Give the difference between electronic and non-electronic means of transmitting information, with two examples of each.
5. Explain the audio mode of receiving information.

Assignment

List five modern electronic means of transmitting information and write one sentence on how each one is used.