ICT as a Transformation Tool – JSS2 Computer Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

ICT (information and communications technology) is the use of technology to collect, store, process, send and receive information.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. define ICT;
2. list examples of ICT gadgets and ICT facilities;
3. explain how ICT has changed (transformed) areas of life such as education, business and health;
4. state the benefits of ICT;
5. state the disadvantages of ICT.

What is ICT?

ICT is the combined use of computers, telecommunication tools and networks to handle information.

• Information: facts, data, pictures, sound and video that people need to know or share.
• Communications: ways of sending information from one person or place to another, such as phone calls, email and television.
• Technology: the machines, programs and networks used to do these tasks.
• Fuller definition: ICT covers all technology used to handle telecommunications, broadcast media, intelligent building management systems, audiovisual processing and transmission systems, and network-based control and monitoring functions.

What does it mean to say ICT is a transformation tool?

ICT is a transformation tool because it changes the way people learn, work, trade, communicate and get services.

• Faster work: tasks that took days by hand can now take minutes.
• Wider reach: information can reach people far away at the same time.
• New ways of working: many jobs, services and businesses now exist because of ICT.

How has ICT changed some areas of life?

What are examples of ICT gadgets and facilities?

ICT gadgets are the devices used to handle information, while ICT facilities are the networks that connect them.

ICT gadgets

• Computers: machines that process, store and display information, such as desktops and laptops.
• Telephones: devices for voice calls, including mobile phones.
• Television: a device that receives broadcast pictures and sound.

ICT facilities

• Internet: a worldwide network of computers used for email, search and online services.
• Cellular network: the mobile phone network that carries calls and data.
• Satellite communications: signals sent through satellites for television, telephone and data links.

What are the benefits of ICT?

The benefits of ICT are the advantages it gives to individuals, businesses and society.

1. Cheaper information: access to information and research is cheaper and timely.
2. Speed: ICT increases the speed of transactions and processing.
3. Interaction: it helps in creating interactions among people.
4. No distance barrier: distance is never a barrier to business transactions and learning.
5. Employment: it provides employment opportunities to people globally.
6. Efficiency: it brings efficiency in many areas such as e-learning, e-commerce and e-administration.
7. Medicine and science: it is useful in the medical and scientific industries.

What are the disadvantages of ICT?

The disadvantages of ICT are the problems and risks that come from its use.

1. Job losses: computerised transactions in offices can lead to job losses.
2. Threat to other fields: ICT threatens other areas and fields of human endeavour.
3. Viruses: viruses are contracted through the internet and can damage files in computer systems.
4. Difficult software: some software can be difficult for people to use.
5. Over-dependence: people rely almost completely on computers, which makes it nearly impossible to do much without them.
6. Health problems: prolonged use of the computer causes repetitive strain injuries, strain on the tendons of the arms, back problems and painful eyes.
7. Internet abuse: youth often abuse the internet by using it mostly for entertainment, viewing harmful adult content and committing crimes.
8. Addiction and stress: ICT use can lead to computer addiction, obsessive computing behaviour and stress.
9. Less personal contact: people prefer to send emails or call their friends on phones rather than visit them.

How can the disadvantages of ICT be reduced?

• Antivirus software: install it and keep it updated to protect files.
• Breaks: rest the eyes and stretch the body after using a computer for a long time.
• Good posture: sit upright with the screen at eye level.
• Time limits: set fixed times for games, chats and entertainment.
• Safe use: use the internet for learning and avoid harmful websites.

Evaluation

1. Define ICT.
2. State three ICT gadgets and three ICT facilities.
3. State three benefits of ICT.
4. State three disadvantages of ICT.
5. Explain how ICT has changed banking.

Assignment

List five benefits of ICT and five disadvantages of ICT.