ICT Application in Everyday Life – SS1 Data Processing Lesson Note (Second Term)

ICT (Information and Communication Technology) is the use of computers, phones and networks to collect, store, process and share information.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. define ICT and explain how it has made the world a global village;
2. describe how ICT is applied in education, banking, industry and commerce;
3. state the positive impact of ICT on society;
4. list the negative effects of ICT.

What is a global village?

A global village is the world seen as one small community, because ICT lets people share information quickly.

• Communication: calls, messages and video calls reach people far and near in seconds.
• News: events in one country become known in other countries almost at once.
• Trade: a buyer in Nigeria can order goods from a seller in another country online.
• Learning: students can read materials and attend classes from places far from the school.

How is ICT used in everyday life?

ICT is used in everyday life to communicate, work, learn, bank, shop and get information.

• Communication: people reach others both far and near.
• Work: ICT makes work easier and better.
• Productivity: workers and businesses produce more in less time.
• Salaries: better productivity and ICT skills can lead to better pay.
• Health care: hospitals keep patients’ records on computers.
• Farming: farmers can find information on crops and markets online.
• Education: teachers and students use computers and the internet to teach and learn.

In which sectors does ICT play a major role?

ICT plays a major role in four sectors: education, banking, industry and commerce.

How is ICT used in education?

In education, ICT is used for research, reference, data processing, administration and interactive learning.

• Research: teachers search for teaching materials and hold online conferences.
• Reference tool: computers and the internet give quick access to facts, as an electronic library does.
• Data collection and processing: researchers use computers to collect and process data.
• Administration: schools use computers to keep student records, results and fees.
• Interactive learning: students learn with videos, games, simulations and online lessons.

How is ICT used in banking?

In banking, ICT is used to run bank operations and to serve customers at any time.

• Control of the banking system: banks use computers to control the entire banking system.
• 24-hour service: customers can make online transactions at any time of the day.
• ATM: the Automated Teller Machine lets customers withdraw cash and check balances.
• Online access: businessmen can access their company accounts online.
• Supervision: bank administrators use ICT to supervise banking activities.

How is ICT used in industry?

In industry, ICT is used to plan, control and speed up the production of goods.

• Production planning and control: computers help to plan and control the production system.
• Automation: goods are produced by machines controlled by computers, with little or no human effort.
• Research: researchers use computers to collect and analyse data for future reference.
• Administration: administrators use computers to oversee all operations in the factory.

How is ICT used in commerce?

Commerce is the buying and selling of goods and services, and ICT makes it easier and faster.

• Easier trading: ICT makes buying and selling easier.
• Online contact with suppliers: customers use computers to connect online with suppliers.
• Record keeping: computers keep a record of transactions.
• Communication: customers and producers contact each other by phone, email and social media.
• E-commerce: electronic commerce is buying and selling over the internet.

What is the impact of ICT on society?

ICT has five main positive impacts on society, mostly in the way people communicate.

• Faster communication speed: messages and emails arrive in seconds.
• Lower communication cost: a chat or email costs less than a letter or a long-distance call.
• Reliable mode of communication: messages can be sent at any time and stored for later.
• Effective sharing of information: many people can receive the same information at once.
• Borderless communication: people in different countries can talk as if they were neighbours.

What are the negative effects of ICT?

ICT has five main negative effects: insecurity of data, fraud, unemployment, virus threat and high cost.

• Insecurity of data: hackers can steal or change information stored on computers.
• Fraud: criminals use fake messages and websites to cheat people of money.
• Unemployment: automation and computers can replace some workers.
• Virus threat: harmful programmes can damage files and slow down computers.
• Cost of setting up ICT gadgets: computers, software and networks are costly to buy and maintain.

Evaluation

1. Name four sectors where ICT plays a major role.
2. State three ways ICT is used in education.
3. List three ways ICT is used in banking.
4. State three positive impacts of ICT on society.
5. List three negative effects of ICT.

Assignment

Choose one sector (education, banking, industry or commerce). Explain how ICT is used in it, giving four points. Then state two negative effects of ICT.