Information Transmission JSS1 Computer Studies Lesson Note

Definition 

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

METHODS OF INFORMATION TRANSFER

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

•             Ancient method 
•             Modern method 

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 olden means of communication. Examples of ancient methods of information transmission 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 the oncoming danger.
•             Town crier: This is another ancient method of transferring information from one person  to another person or from one place to another
•             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. 

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 
3.         Electronic means: These are through electronic equipment that require electricity to power them. 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: We watch television network news; there 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 Mobile Communication). 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 transforms 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: The medium is used to transfer information in the form of text, graphics, and voice.
•     Satellite: It is a communication transmitting medium that is located in space.
• GSM: This means a Global System of Mobile communication to pass information from one person to another.
•     3G communication: This is the latest wireless means of communication with high-speed internet access.

1.         Non-electronic means: These are through non-electronic equipment that do not require electricity to power them. Non-electronic means of transmitting information are Writing, drawing, printed media, and signs.

MODE OF RECEIVING INFORMATION

Audio: This involves receiving information in sound form. Examples are music tapes, Radio, GSM, and lectures on CD-ROM

Visual: This involves receiving information in Picture, graphic, and chart form. Examples are slides on CD-ROM.

Audio/Visual: This involves receiving information using both audio and visual forms. Examples are video, television, and monitor.