Introduction to ICTs

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Questions and Answers

What characterized early computers?

They facilitated multi-user interactions.

They served as word processors.

They functioned primarily as calculating machines. (correct)

They were used mainly for communication.

How does modern communication differ from traditional broadcasting?

Modern communication enables anonymity of the sender. (correct)

Traditional broadcasting allows for interactivity.

Modern communication allows point-to-mass communication.

Traditional broadcasting uses digital platforms.

What is a key feature of telecommunications?

Content is produced for mass reception without interaction.

Communication occurs from many to many.

Messages are shared between anonymous recipients.

Messages are sent from a sender to a single recipient. (correct)

What is a notable change brought by new communication technologies?

They allow for interactive communication between producers and recipients. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does technological determinism suggest?

Technology acts as an autonomous force that shapes society. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concept of technological determinism?

Technology is the central cause of social changes. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What communication capability do modern ICTs offer that traditional systems do not?

Interactivity in communication. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does Claude Fischer describe the most popular form of determinism?

A billiard ball model of influence. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of broadcasting?

Messages are usually personalized and targeted. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What criticism do proponents of technological determinism face regarding their explanations?

They simplify complex relationships. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor is used to describe how technology transforms society according to determinists?

A billiard ball striking other balls. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How were computers originally perceived before they became machines?

As people employed for calculations (B) Signup and view all the answers

How have modern communication platforms changed user engagement?

By allowing for real-time feedback and dialogue. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes computers from other machines?

Computers can perform universal tasks due to software. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What impact does Marshall McLuhan's view on technological determinism suggest?

Different technologies have unique influences on society. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Campbell-Kelly et al. (2014), what roles do electronic computers combine?

Human computer and human clerk (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which example is often cited to illustrate technological determinism?

The internet contributing to the Arab Spring. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In what manner is the relationship between technology and society described by technological determinism?

A one-way street. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role does software play in a computer system?

It defines how users interact with the computer. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are considered digital representations in the context of information technologies?

Electronic databases and websites (C) Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to theorists who believe in a strict cause-and-effect relationship between technology and societal change?

Hard determinists (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do people commonly use metaphors related to computers?

To explain human cognitive processes (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a task typically associated with the early computers?

Designing video games (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about technologies being explored in this course?

They are digital rather than traditional forms of information. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of information and communication technologies (ICTs)?

Ability to access information and communication across various platforms (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic shared by most modern digital devices?

They typically include microprocessor technology. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does ICT emphasize the relationship between telecommunications and computing systems?

By stressing the unification and integration of the two fields (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'digital data' refer to in the context of ICT?

A binary code format that facilitates data management (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a modern ICT?

High-definition LED televisions (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the relationship between digitized information technologies and society primarily explore?

How individuals and institutions are shaped by ICT, and vice versa (C) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of ICT allows it to transcend physical boundaries?

Interconnectivity with various platforms (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the convergence of ICT represent?

The integration of computing systems with older technologies (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does gender influence the response to information and communication technologies (ICTs)?

It plays a role in shaping access and use of technologies. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the relationship between old and new technologies?

Old technologies are often discarded as new ones emerge. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'amplification' refer to in the context of technology?

The way newer technologies enhance and build upon older technologies. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why should we consider the relationship between old and new technologies as evolutionary?

Because this perspective acknowledges gradual changes and adaptations. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do major corporations influence the adoption of new technology?

They play a significant role in shaping the next technology based on existing systems. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does thinking of technology as having a revolutionary impact lead to?

The belief that technological change happens instantaneously. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do different social factors combine to shape responses to ICTs?

Gender, race, culture, and socioeconomic status all play interconnected roles. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the digital divide in relation to technology access?

It highlights disparities in access to information and communication technologies. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Early Computers

Limited capabilities: Early computers were designed to perform specific tasks, like mathematical calculations.
Size and cost: They were bulky, expensive, and occupied significant space.
Lack of user-friendliness: User interaction was complex and required specialized knowledge.

Modern Communication vs. Traditional Broadcasting

One-to-many vs. many-to-many: Broadcasting pushes content to a large audience, while modern communication allows for more interactive and personalized exchanges.
Passive reception vs. active participation: Traditional broadcasting is passive, while modern communication encourages active participation in dialogues and discussions.
Centralized control vs. decentralized access: Broadcasting is controlled by a limited number of entities, while modern communication platforms are more decentralized and offer diverse perspectives.

Telecommunications: Key Features

Connecting individuals and systems: Enabling communication and data transmission across geographical distances.
Data transfer speed: Providing high-speed data transmission rates, facilitating the exchange of information.
Technological evolution: Continuously adapting and evolving to incorporate new technologies and functionalities.

Technological Determinism: Core Principles

Technologically driven change: The idea that technology shapes and influences societal changes.
Cause and effect: Technology is seen as a primary driver of social development, with little room for human agency.
Metaphor of mold: Technology acts as a mold that shapes human behavior and social structures.

Computers: From Machines to Tools

Early perception: Initially viewed as complex machines for specific tasks.
Modern usage: Evolved into ubiquitous tools empowering communication, computation, and information access.

ICT: Bridging the Gap

Connecting technology and society: Focuses on the interplay between informatic tools and social structures.
Transcending boundaries: Allows for global communication and collaboration, breaking geographic barriers.
Convergence of telecommunications and computing: Combines communication and information processing into integrated systems.

Digital Data in ICT:

Information representation: Refers to data represented in a digital format, readily processed by computers.
Ubiquity: Permeates modern communication systems and technologies, driving digital interactions.

Gender in ICT

Differing experiences: Gender influences how individuals interact with technology, shaping their access, perspectives, and engagement.
Challenging stereotypes: Promotes equal opportunities and dismantles gender biases in the technological realm.

New Technology: Amplifying Potential

Evolutionary development: New technologies build upon existing knowledge and infrastructure, highlighting continuous growth.
Impact of major corporations: Organizations play a decisive role in adopting, developing, and disseminating new technologies.
Social constructs and responses: Social factors like culture, values, and demographics significantly shape how technology is received and adopted.

The Digital Divide: Addressing Imbalances

Unequal access: The gap between those with and without access to ICTs represents a persistent challenge.
Significance: Exposes inequalities in economic, social, and educational opportunities.
Addressing disparities: Efforts focus on bridging the digital divide through policies, interventions, and equitable access initiatives.

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Description

This quiz explores the evolution of communication technologies from traditional systems to modern ICTs. It covers key differences such as interactivity and anonymity, as well as the concept of technological determinism. Test your understanding of these essential concepts in information and communication technology.