History of Information Technology

• Information Technology (IT) has evolved due to constant innovations.

A Very Short History of IT

• Early computers were large, slow machines primarily used for calculations by businesses and universities.
• In the 1980s, personal computers became available, allowing individuals to type documents, store data, and play games.
• The 1990s marked the Internet Era, enabling computers to connect and opening new possibilities for communication, research, and business.
• The 2000s introduced smartphones during the Mobile Revolution, making internet and personal computing portable and accessible.

A Time of Change in Communication and Networks

• Communication networks have shifted from simple email and document sending to social media platforms.
• Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow instant communication, life sharing, and global connectivity.
• Data management has evolved from simple spreadsheets to "big data," which involves analyzing vast amounts of data from various sources to reveal patterns, predict trends, and understand consumer behavior.

Transformation of Communication

• Communication has transformed from one-way broadcasts to interactive, two-way, real-time communication methods.
• Traditional communication involved letters, telephone calls, and face-to-face meetings.
• Modern communication includes instant messaging, social media, video calls, and live video conferencing.

The Worldwide Mobile Revolution

• The mobile phone revolution has connected billions of people to the internet.
• Phones evolved from fixed landlines to mobile smartphones, which provide access to various services and information.
• Mobile phones have enabled access to information and opportunities in both developed and developing countries, bridging gaps in education, healthcare, and business.

Digital Convergence

• Digital convergence involves merging various technologies into a single device or platform.
• Smartphones can make calls, send emails, take photos, play videos, and act as GPS devices, providing access to different services in one place.

Work and Employment Transformed: The Fourth Industrial Revolution

• The world of work has been transformed by technological advancements.
• Robots and AI automate tasks in manufacturing and logistics.
• There are new jobs emerging surrounding data science, app development, cybersecurity, and AI ethics.
• Remote work facilitated by platforms such as Zoom, Slack, and Microsoft Teams has become more common.

Digital Divide

• The digital divide refers to the unequal access to and availability to technology, particularly the internet.
• Lack of access to technology can lead to disadvantages in education, healthcare, and job opportunities.
• The digital divide prevents people from learning new skills, finding jobs, and participating in global conversations.

Interactive Media and Mass Self-Communication

• Social media has led to mass self-communication,
• Platforms like blogs and YouTube enable individuals to share ideas and experiences with a global audience.
• Interactive media allows users to engage with content through comments, shares, and personalized content creation, unlike traditional media.

ICT for Peace and Warfare

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has a critical role in peace efforts as well as being leveraged in warfare.
• ICT supports peace by raising awareness about human rights, enabling communication between conflicting parties, and fostering collaboration and disaster relief.
• ICT is used in cyberattacks, espionage, and military strategy, including disrupting communication networks and stealing information.

Conclusion

• Technology advancement raises social, ethical, and political issues.
• Developer biases and values can result in products or services that lack being inclusive to all.
• Internet governance debates are crucial for regulation.
• Social spaces on the web affect relationships and communities.
• ICT can support peace through open communication and resource sharing.
• Destructive ICT involves misinformation, cyberbullying, and criminal activity.

Explore the evolution of IT, from early computers to the mobile revolution. Understand how communication networks shifted from email to social media platforms. Discover the rise of big data.