ICT Policy Overview

Definition of ICT Policy

• "Policy" refers to a course of action adopted by a government or organization to achieve outcomes.
• ICT Policies provide a roadmap for governments and organizations, outlining the principles and guidelines for telecommunications, broadcasting, and the Internet.

New ICT Technologies

• Information Technology: Involves the use of computers to process data efficiently, requiring hardware, software, and computer literacy.
• Telecommunication Technologies: Includes telephones, fax machines, and broadcasting through radio and TV, often using satellites.
• Networking Technologies: Encompasses the Internet, mobile technology, VOIP, and satellite communications; still developing in various areas of connectivity.

The DICT Roadmap

• The Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) provides a roadmap for effective ICT utilization and regulation.
• Each project includes policy statements and guidelines focusing on enhancing education and human development in teaching and learning.

Global Issues in ICT Policy

• Access: Refers to the ability for all individuals to utilize the Internet and ICT, with significant disparities between wealthier nations and developing countries.
• Civil Liberties: Includes rights such as freedom of expression, privacy, communication, and intellectual property rights.

Issues Related to Civil Liberties and Internet Policy

• Freedom of Expression and Censorship:

  • International human rights conventions guarantee free expression, but electronic communication raises new challenges.
  • Censorship can occur through blocking and filtering information, limiting access to specific content.
  • Individuals may surrender rights for network access, and laws may deter free expression.

• Privacy and Security:

  • Privacy policies on websites imply a transfer of personal information, often without users’ awareness.
  • Different privacy types include personal privacy, privacy of communication, and information privacy, ensuring control over personal data usage.

• Surveillance and Data Retention:

  • Indirect surveillance through data monitoring has increased with electronic communications.
  • Dataveillance refers to using personal info to monitor activities, while data retention involves storing communication information.

• E-pollutants from E-waste:

  • ICT generates significant e-waste from devices such as PCs, TVs, and phones, leading to environmental concerns.
  • E-waste poses toxicity risks and requires proper management to mitigate climate impact and human health risks.

Implications for Teaching and Learning

• For Teachers:

  • Must adapt curricula to include ICT guidelines, balancing the rapid development of technology.
  • Technology serves as a support tool, but teachers' human interaction remains crucial in education.
  • Awareness of regulations governing technology use is essential to protect privacy.

• For Learners:

  • 21st-century learners possess advanced skills but require guidance on responsible technology use.
  • Education should emphasize both the benefits and hazards of technology, promoting awareness of e-waste and environmental concerns.
  • Learners should harness technology's advantages for collaborative learning and development of critical thinking skills.

This quiz delves into the definitions and importance of ICT policies as outlined by authoritative sources. Understanding ICT policies is crucial for governments and organizations to guide their actions and achieve desired outcomes in the realm of information and communication technology.