Trends and Issues in ICT

• ETECH covers Trends and Issues in ICT, Online Safety, Netiquette and Digital Citizenship

Trends and Issues in ICT

• Information and Communications Technology encompasses technologies for handling telecommunications and accessing info and includes media, management systems, and network control
• Modern ICT involves the convergence of internet, wireless, computers, radio, TV, phones, hardware/software, connections, satellites, and video conferencing for distance learning.

Components of ICT

• Cloud computing delivers computing services like servers, storage, and databases over the internet on demand and provides scalability and flexibility to access and use computing resources
• CLOUD environment enables computing to provide scalability and flexibility across devices
• Intelligent Cloud uses AI computing resources
• Internet of Things connects everything
• Microsoft Azure provides cloud services, including virtual machines, storage, databases, and analytics to businesses & individuals
• Google Cloud Platform provides computing services such computer engines, storage, big data, and machine learning for businesses
• Internet access is the connection to the global network of computers and resources
• Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) wireless networking to connect devices to the internet and each other without cables & operates in radio frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz)

Wireless Access

• LTE (Long Term Evolution) cellular tech providing wireless internet to smartphones and tablets with faster speeds, lower latency, and improved network capacity
• 5G Technology is the latest cellular network promising faster speeds, lower latency, and improved network capacity
• DATA is raw facts/truths or statistics in text, observations, figures, images, numbers, graphs, or symbols
• INFORMATION is processed data
• BIG DATA is structured and unstructured that organizations generate daily with sources like sensors, social media, web interactions, and transaction records

Using DATA

• Medical records are patient data stored electronically for healthcare management.
• Financial data covers transaction records and customer information for banking and financial services.
• Communication technologies encompasses equipment and programs to process and communicate information
• Machine-to-Machine communication facilitates data exchange and instructions between embedded sensors and devices without human intervention
• Human-to-Machine communication focuses on human interaction with wearables
• Wearable Technology enables M2M and HMI to create advanced wearable tech

Electronic Activity

• Machine to Machine (M2M) provides data exchange and intelligence and Human to Machine Interface(HMI) allows humans access and control seamlessly
• Transactions electronically exchange information or goods, often involving payment or data transfer
• Online shopping allows for purchasing goods/services through e-commerce platforms
• Mobile banking supports payments, fund transfers, and account management via mobile apps.

Types of Transactions

• Mobile Wallets / e-wallets
• Online Appointments / Reservations
• Blockchain Technology

Hardware & Software

• Hardware is physical components of an ICT system and include computers, network devices, and peripherals
• PC's are desktops or laptops used for work, entertainment, communication
• Smartphones provide mobile devices with internet, camera, and apps
• Software is a set of instructions telling hardware to perform tasks
• Operating systems manages computer hardware and provides a running platform (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux)
• Productivity software enables document creation, spreadsheets, presentations, and communication (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace)

What kind of software

• System Software
• Application Software
• WEB (World Wide Web) has evolved and the Internet is a series of interconnected computer systems where the Web, files, and e-mails function and travel along

Generations of the WEB

• WEB 1.0 (1991-1995): Static HTML pages with limited interaction
• WEB 2.0 (2005-PRESENT): User-generated content, social media, and dynamic applications redefined engagement through platforms like YouTube and Wikipedia
• WEB 3.0 (EMERGING): Immersive and decentralized space fueled by blockchain tech & semantic web concepts, supporting virtual reality experiences and AI content

Convergent Technologies

• Convergent Technology combines independent technologies into a new device and multiple features serves a blended purpose, collect and use data, and is interconnected with devices for universal access
• the Internet of Things (IoT): equips objects with sensors and internet for smart homes, cities, & industries
• Cloud computing provides on-demand remote access to computing resources such as servers, storage, and applications
• Convergence of Devices and Services creates smartphones, smart TVs blurring the line between TV and computing, and health-monitoring wearables

Social Inclusion

• Social Use connects people around the world and the internet enables a faster and interactive communication online
• E-governance & Citizen Participation are online platforms for government services, consultations, and civic engagement
• Education & Skills Development involves online learning platforms, MOOCs, and digital resources democratizing education and upskilling
• Healthcare & Wellbeing; telemedicine, patient monitoring, and AI improving healthcare access/delivery.

More Support

• Assistive Technologies provide support for mobility, tasks, communication, independence, and quality of life for people with disabilities
• Digital Inclusion Initiatives ensures equitable access for marginalized communities
• Artificial Intelligence an area of computer science that is focused on creating machines that mimic human intelligence and behavior, including learning, reasoning, and decision-making
• Robotics is computer science and engineering field creating devices that move and react to sensory input, combining AI with the mechanics of robots

Encryption

• Biometrics measure and analyze human characteristics like DNA, fingerprints, eye retinas, voice, facial patterns, and hand measurements for authentication
• Quantum computing develops computer technology based on quantum theory using quantum bits or qubits and harnesses subatomic particles to exist in multiple states
• Quantum cryptography encodes/decodes information using physics for information privacy and security
• Cryptocurrencies; digital currencies (tokens) like Bitcoin and Ethereum that use blockchain for online transactions
• Blockchain is decentralized and distributed digital ledger tech that records transactions securely and irreversibly.

Communication

• Computer-Aided Translation (CAT) uses computers to translate languages
• CAT tools makes it easy to handle translation and revisions faster and more efficiently
• 3D Imaging & Holography uses light to project objects three-dimensionally, creating holograms
• Virtual Reality is a computer-generated environment that users can explore and interact with and technology immerses users in a realistic synthetic world Current Trends in ICT (January 2024):
  • 5G Networks increase speeds/capacity and reduce latency and the next wave will create stand alone networks
  • Edge Computing may provide computing for the 22 average connected devices owned by each U.S. household.
  • Spatial Computing is improving how we interact with the digital world.
  • Smart Spaces make use of connected technologies improves information and efficiency in the environment,

Security

• Homomorphic Encryption allows data processing without decryption, enhancing data security without interrupting business processes.
• Metaverse is gaining traction as more digital interactions take place

What is the Metaverse

• The metaverse will allow for more connected interactions in virtual space
• Internet profoundly impacts modern life connecting people and devices globally has transformed the way we live and interact
• Internet is a high risk area, especially if you do not know what you are doing.
• Deeper access in the internet = different purposes that lead to threatening situations.

3 Layers of the Internet

• Surface or open web is indexable & searchable
• Deep Web is non-indexed and non searchable
• Dark Web content is only accessible via specific software or hardware and this is where hackers, and black markets reside
• Internet security is the branch of computer security specifically related to the Internet, involving browser security and network security.
• Internet safety (E-safety) includes knowing about internet privacy and how behavior affects interaction with technology.

How to Stay Safe Online

• Be aware of your online behavior
• Use strong passwords
• Malware is a code that damages, disrupts, or steals data & disrupts the host or network.

Types of Malware

• Trojans pretend to be good software but penetrates systems
• Botnets are automatic bots that disrupt hardware
• Worms can transfer, penetrate, and multiply but do not destroy
• Online safety issues include threats, cyberstalking, and hacking

Malware in Detail

• Cyberstalking is electronic harassment, intimidation, or threats
• Hacking is unauthorized access to steal data or disrupt operations
• White hat hackers are hired to check security vulnerabilities
• Dark hat hackers commit human trafficking or sell exploited items
• Cyberbullying (Trolling) uses digital platforms to post harmful content and abusive messages.
• Sextortion is blackmailing by threatening to share intimate images/videos.
• Obscene/offensive content is morally repugnant or offensive to a significant population segment.
• Fake news is fabricated or misleading information presented as news
• Online predation uses the internet to target and exploit vulnerable individuals, often children, for sexual purposes.

Concerns about Online Ethics

• Data privacy
• Protection of private information
• Issues of libel(verbal or written)
• Limits when expressing freedom
• Intellectual property rights gives exclusive rights to creative work for reproduction, distribution, display, and adaptation
• Patents grants the rights to the inventor
• Trademark protects words, phrases, symbols or designs to identify goods and services.
• Trade secret gives a competitive advantage and is protected from disclosure.
• Spreadsheet is an interactive computer application to store data in a horizontal tabular form and has virtual design features

Spreadsheet Structure

• Workbook: collection worksheets
• Worksheet: collection of vertical rows and horizontal columns
• Cells when rows and columns intersect horizontally
• Formulas calculate automatically
• Number System (Nx):Binary(N2), Decimal(N10), and .Octal:N8 and has Conversion
• Data analytics involves inspecting data sets using specialized systems & software to draw conclusions on specific information
• Spreadsheet use table that contains data
• Vlookup, Hlookup, and Xlookup are the 3 types of tables
• Absolute value is used to display and show results

Programming Software

• System Software: required
• Application Software: optional
• Programming Software: exclusive
• Driver Software: optional
• Developer design the concept and development

Personnel

• Engineer / Programmer interprets design into program, focuses on user interface, and Builds the software
• Utility software is dependent
• Business, General purpose, and Custom developed apps are types of the utility software
• Texture provides the quality and appearance of a surface
• Typography is the carrier of message
• Space highlights parts of the message
• Principles of Design include repetition, pattern, and rhythm

Graphics & Design Notes

• Element is what you add
• Form can add 3D effect
• Shape combines areas or combined elements
• Line creates design modes
• Color adds a feeling and addition