Technology Convergence and Web Generations

• Major technology and industry trends and societal and economic factors form a complex puzzle in today's digital world.
• The dynamic between technology and society is constantly changing.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

• ICT encompasses technologies that advance communications.
• It enables broadcast media, networking components, audiovisual processing, and transmission systems.
• ICT allows people and organizations to interact in the digital world.

Web Generations

• This technology evolved from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0.
• Tim Berners-Lee pioneered Web 1.0 in 1990.
• The first webpage browser and the foundation of the World Wide Web were created.
• Web 2.0 involves a shift in how the internet is used, making user-generated content accessible instantly worldwide.
• Internet access and social networks have enabled the dominance of applications, expanding online interactivity and utility in Web 2.0.
• Web 3.0 is the next phase of the Internet, focusing on decentralization, openness via open-source software, and enhanced user utility through machine learning for faster and more relevant results.
• Data in Web 3.0 aims to be stored in multiple locations simultaneously, unlike Web 2.0's single-server approach.

Convergent Technologies

• Convergent Technologies refers to the combination of two or more independent technologies to form a new device.
• A smartphone integrates technologies like a telephone, camera, multimedia player, and navigation tool.
• These technologies can perform multiple features for a blended purpose.
• They collect and use data in various formats, using machine learning for an enhanced user experience.
• They can interconnect with devices for universal user access.

Social Use

• ICT developments have enabled instant connection through social media.
• Social media includes online services and tools for publishing, sharing, and discussing information.
• Examples: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, WordPress, YouTube, and Twitch.
• These platforms aim to provide faster and interactive online communication.

Assistive Technology

• Assistive technology includes devices, applications, and equipment that support people with disabilities.
• The goal is to help people learn, communicate, and function with ease and comfort.
• ChromeVox is a screen reader extension for Google Chrome.
• Capti allows users to listen to online books and news and convert DOC and PDF files to speech.
• Speech-to-text, transcription, and subtitles help people with hearing issues.
• Magnifier applications assist people with eyesight problems.
• The current state of ICT helps society understand the benefits and potential for achieving social changes.

Online Systems and Platforms

• Online systems and platforms include marketplaces, search engines, creative content outlets, and communication platforms.
• They offer a variety of services that users interact with according to their needs.

Marketplaces

• Key features: Sellers and buyers trade products and services on an e-commerce website.
• Examples: Lazada, Foodpanda, and Facebook Marketplace in the Philippines.
• These platforms offer a wide range of products, including clothes, food, and essential needs.
• Online businesses provide 24/7 functionality, additional income, and reduced marketing costs, which is drawing increased interest.
• Buyers can shop in comfort, compare prices, and have a wide range of options.

Search Engines

• Search engines retrieve information online based on user needs.
• Examples include Google, Yahoo!, and Microsoft Bing.
• Search engines crawl and index web data, ranking it by relevance.
• Crawl: Web crawlers (spiders) search the internet, find new sites, and identify new links.
• Index: Crawlers analyze, organize, and store data in an index for quick searching.
• Search: Translates inputted words into index-related terms using natural language processing (NLP).
• NLP utilizes machine learning to understand a query.
• Rank: Algorithms present a list of results based on matching keywords, prioritizing high-quality content, and using personal information.

Creative Content Outlets

• Creative content outlets use various types of media to communicate about products, services, or a brand.
• Blog: Written content by a blogger sharing opinions and knowledge on topics for a target audience.
• Common platforms: WordPress, Tumblr, and LinkedIn.
• Video: Creative videos range from brand videos, animations, and educational content; useful medium that combines movement, sound, and text.
• Platforms: YouTube, streaming sites, and learning management systems.
• Infographics: Visual representations of information and data with minimal text, used for email marketing, education, and social media ads.

Communication Platforms

• Communication platforms enhance collaboration and connection across distances.
• They are used by businesses, organizations, and individuals for faster information exchange.
• Microsoft 365: Productivity tool with MS Teams, OneDrive for storage, and Office apps.
• Google Workspace assures secured collaboration and productivity apps for businesses.
• Dropbox is a user-friendly cloud-sharing solution for file management, reducing email needs, and improving collaboration.

Online Safety, Security, and Etiquette

• Besides cyber laws, users are responsible for exploring cyberspace with heightened safety precautions, security measures, and proper online etiquette.

Online Safety

• Online safety involves defending against online dangers.
• Never trust anyone: Avoid trusting people online unless necessary, due to the ease of making connections.
• Focus on safer alternatives that prevent information recording.
• Do not disclose too much information: Limit posting personal information to protect safety and mental health.
• Cross-check a website: Ensure correct links and spelling to avoid phishing.
• Illegal ways of pretending to be a legitimate website is rampant.
• Click links accordingly: Avoid shortened links from unknown sources to prevent malware infections.

Online Security

• Online security protects confidential information from attacks and cybercrimes.
• Password Security: Use strong passwords with alphanumeric characters, symbols, and proper caps lock.
• Avoid personal information and use a memorable password.
• Multi-factor Authentication: Use biometrics and PINs for more security.
• Employ OTP, fingerprints, or facial recognition for each login attempt.
• Installing Anti-virus: Anti-virus software provides early virus detection and cleans the device to prevent data breaches and system corruption.
• Backup Storage: Store files in cloud storage or a hard drive to secure data.
• Backups protect against data loss due to breaches or manipulation.

Online Etiquette

• Online etiquette: Behaving with kindness and respect on the internet.
• Proper use of tone: Communicate clearly in writing or audio.
• Avoid all caps and excessive exclamation points; consider the context of the conversation.
• Proofreading the message: Review messages to avoid errors that could cause miscommunication or damage reputation.
• Respect for privacy: Do not attempt to hack or access someone's account without permission.
• Be prepared and minimize distractions: Prepare for online meetings by checking equipment and limiting background distractions.
• Avoid misinformation: Validate information from news, articles, and blogs before sharing by checking sources.

This lesson covers convergent technologies, which merge independent technologies into new devices. It also explores the evolution of the web through different generations: Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and Web 3.0. ICT's role in communications, media broadcasting and networking is also examined.