EMPOWERMENT TECHNOLOGIES Lesson 1

Introduction to Information and Communication Technology

• ICT encompasses technologies like mobile phones, internet, and software to facilitate the creation, processing, and sharing of information.
• Aims to enhance human capabilities across various fields, including business, education, and entertainment.

Importance of ICT in Different Fields

• Communication: Enhances global connections through email, video conferencing, and social media.
• Education: Expands access to learning materials and e-learning platforms, promoting accessibility and lifelong learning.
• Business: Transforms operations via data management, online transactions, and remote work, increasing efficiency and productivity.
• Social and Economic Development: Drives job creation and entrepreneurship, especially in developing countries.
• Innovation: Supports advancements in medicine, science, and engineering through data analysis tools.

Challenges in ICT

• Common Internet Threats:
  • Spam: Unwanted messages that may contain malware.
  • Malware: Includes viruses, trojans, and adware, designed to damage or exploit systems.
  • Phishing: Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive data through impersonation.
  • Keyloggers: Track keystrokes to steal information like passwords.
  • Hackers: Individuals who exploit systems for malicious purposes.

Rules of Netiquette

• Netiquette: Guidelines for acceptable online communication, ensuring respectful interaction in digital environments.
• Copyright Infringement: Using protected material without permission, which violates owner rights and can lead to legal consequences.
• Fair Use: Allows limited use of copyrighted materials without infringement for purposes such as commentary and education.

History of the World Wide Web

• Web 1.0: The static web where users consumed content without interaction.
• Web 2.0: Characterized by user-generated content and social media interactions, enhancing engagement.
• Web 3.0: The semantic web that personalizes user experiences through understanding and preferences.

Trends in ICT

• Technology Convergence: Integration of different technologies to achieve common objectives.
• Mobile Technology: Growth in the use of smartphones and tablets for communication and services.
• Social Media: Platforms for sharing user-generated content and networking.

Contextualized Online Research

• Contextual Search: Enhances search precision by refining results based on user queries.
• Research Steps: Include topic selection, resource identification, result compilation, and evaluation.
• Evaluating Credibility: Reliable sources often include academic journals, government sites, and established news outlets.

Advanced Word Processing in MS Word

• Mail Merge: Technique for generating personalized documents using data sets.
• Components of Mail Merge:
  • Form Document: Template for the main message with placeholders for data.
  • Data File: Maintains individual information to be merged into the template.

Advanced Spreadsheet Skills in MS Excel

• Functions:
  • SUM(): Totals values in a cell range.
  • AVERAGE(): Calculates the mean of selected values.
  • IF(): Returns results based on conditional expressions.
  • VLOOKUP(): Searches for data within a table.

Advanced Presentation Skills in MS PowerPoint

• Slide Creation: Users can create individual slides with varied content types for presentations.
• Templates and Themes: Provides pre-designed formats for consistent and appealing presentations.

Explore the fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology in this lesson. Learn how various communication technologies are used to manage and share information effectively, enhancing our processing and sharing capabilities. This quiz will test your understanding of the significant goals and tools associated with ICT.