Information Technology and Modern Living

Course Information

• Course Title: Living in the IT Era
• Course Code: GEED 20133
• Course Credit: 3 units/3 hours
• Course Description: Covers science, culture, and ethics of information technology, its influence on modern living and human relationships, and its uses for personal, professional, and social advancement.

Course Objectives

• To orient students with the important features of photo imaging and editing programs
• To equip students with skills on imaging, editing, effects application, and basic photography
• To introduce students to the many rewards of this course when applied to graphic design industry
• To enhance student's creativity, presentation, and communication skills
• To work in a team to improve design, development, presentation, and critical thinking

Institutional Learning Outcomes

• Apply knowledge of computing, science, and mathematics
• Analyze complex problems and identify computing requirements
• Design, implement, and evaluate computer-based systems
• Assist in the creation of an effective IT project plan
• Integrate IT-based solutions into the user environment
• Communicate effectively with the computing community and society at large
• Analyze the local and global impact of computing information technology
• Recognize the need for and engage in planning self-learning and improving performance

Course Outline

• Week 1: Class orientation, introduction to information and communication technology
• Week 2-3: Computers and ICT basics
• Week 4-5: The web and the internet
• Week 6-7: Digital age and current trends
• Week 8-9: Social media and social networking
• Week 10: Midterm examination
• Week 11-12: Cloud computing and big data
• Week 13-14: Cybersecurity
• Week 15-16: Ethical and moral issues in ICT
• Week 17: Presentation of group research work
• Week 18: Final examination

Assessment

• Class standing (quizzes, recitation, assignment, attendance, research work): 70%
• Midterm examination: 30%
• Final examination: 30%

References

• Living in Information Age by E. Page Bucy
• Management of Information Systems by Ken Laudon et al.
• Online resources: broadbandsearch.net and tutorialspoint.com### Living in the IT Era

Lesson 1: Introduction to Information and Communication Technology

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) provides a foundational understanding of the various technologies and tools used to manage and communicate information in the digital age.
• ICT encompasses a wide range of concepts and technologies, playing a pivotal role in modern society, businesses, and everyday life.

What is ICT?

• ICT is the use of computing and telecommunication technologies, systems, and tools to facilitate the way information is created, collected, processed, transmitted, and stored.
• It includes computing technologies like servers, laptop computers, and software applications, as well as wired and wireless communication technologies that support telephones and the Internet.
• ICT also consists of telecommunication and cloud computing services, as well as governance policies that support their use.

Importance of ICT

• The importance of ICT cannot be overstated because it has become the foundation of modern society, driving innovation, enhancing productivity, and fostering global connectivity.

History and Evolution of ICT

• The concept of ICT can be traced back to the 19th century with the development of the telegraph and the telephone.
• Key technological advancements:
  • 1837: Morse code and telegraph
  • 1876: Telephone
  • 1895: Wireless telegraphy
  • 1927: Television
  • 1947: Transistor
  • 1951: UNIVAC I (First commercial computer)
  • 1969: ARPANET (Foundation of the Internet)
  • 1971: First email
  • 1990: World Wide Web
  • 1991: GSM (Global System for Mobile communication)
  • 1994: Netscape Navigator (Widely-used web browser)
  • 1998: Google
  • 2001: Commercial 3G networks
  • 2004: Facebook
  • 2007: iPhone
  • 2008: Bitcoin (First blockchain-based cryptocurrency)
  • 2010: 4G networks
  • 2016: AlphaGo (AI system defeating world champion Go player)
  • 2020: 5G networks
  • 2023: Zoom (350 million daily meeting attendees)

Future of ICT

• Future developments in ICT promise even more exciting advancements, including:
  • 6G networks providing faster and more reliable connectivity
  • Generative AI systems like ChatGPT changing the way people create and acquire information
  • Emerging technologies like quantum computing and Web3 inspiring a wide variety of new ICT tools and applications### ICT and IT: Understanding the Difference
• IT is often considered a subset of ICT that deals with the technical aspects of managing information.
• ICT is a broader term that encompasses both IT and communication technologies.

Components of ICT Infrastructure and Systems

• Hardware and software that supports information creation, dissemination, acquisition, and storage.
• Infrastructure and electronics that enable communication between hardware devices.
• Protocols and interfaces that enable seamless communication and data exchanges between different hardware and software components.
• Tools for protecting sensitive information and ensuring the integrity of an ICT system.
• Standards for protecting data in transit, during processing, and at rest.
• Governance policies for accessing, securing, processing, transmitting, and storing information.
• Workers with the skills required to design, develop, maintain, and support ICT systems.

Uses and Functions of ICT

• Communication: enables instant communication through email, messaging apps, video conferencing, and social media platforms.
• Information sharing and dissemination: allows for rapid sharing and dissemination of information through the internet.
• Education: has revolutionized education by providing online courses, e-learning platforms, digital textbooks, and educational apps.
• Business and commerce: supports functions such as online sales, marketing, customer support, inventory management, and data analysis.
• Healthcare: used for electronic health records, telemedicine, medical imaging, and remote monitoring.
• Government services: used for delivering public services, managing databases, facilitating online tax filing, conducting elections, and enhancing transparency and accountability.
• Entertainment: plays a significant role in the entertainment industry, including streaming services, online gaming, digital content creation, and social media for content sharing and interaction.
• Research and development: ICT tools and simulations are crucial in scientific research and development across various disciplines.
• Transportation and logistics: used for managing transportation systems, tracking shipments, optimizing routes, and providing real-time updates to travelers.
• Smart cities: contributes to the development of smart cities by integrating technology into urban planning, traffic management, energy efficiency, and public services.
• Environmental monitoring: employs ICT tools for weather forecasting, climate modeling, and collecting data on air quality, water quality, and wildlife conservation.
• Security and surveillance: used for security purposes, including surveillance cameras, access control systems, cybersecurity, and data encryption.
• Agriculture: precision agriculture uses ICT for crop monitoring, soil analysis, and automated farming equipment.
• Social networking: enables people to connect and share information, ideas, and experiences with a global audience.
• Financial services: underpins the financial industry with online banking, mobile payments, cryptocurrency, and algorithmic trading.
• Emergency services: helps emergency responders by improving communication, tracking resources, and providing real-time information during disasters and crises.
• Manufacturing and industry: facilitates automation, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in manufacturing, enhancing efficiency, quality control, and supply chain management.
• Personal productivity: individuals use ICT tools such as smartphones, tablets, and productivity apps for personal organization, time management, and communication.

Impact of ICT on Society

Positive Impact of ICT

• Improved communication
• Access to information
• Efficiency and productivity
• Education
• Healthcare
• Economic growth
• Social connectivity
• Environmental impact

Negative Impact of ICT

• Digital divide
• Privacy concerns
• Cybersecurity threats
• Information overload
• Job displacement
• Digital addiction
• Environmental concerns
• Social isolation