BTLE 105

INTRODUCTION TO
ICT 1
Course Description
This course introduces BTLE students to explore the science, culture, and ethics of
information technology, its various uses and applications, as well as its influence on
culture and society. It also aims to strike a balance between conceptual instruction and
socially – and culturally – oriented discussions as it not only explains the basic concepts
or key terms in IT but also features the major IT trends along with the issues and
challenges these developments bring. This course also will give an overview on Technical
Drafting, Illustration and 2D Animation. It also establishes the basics of Medical
Transcription and Web application.

Course Learning Outcomes

•Demonstrate an awareness of the main processes in an ICT system (sending,

receiving, storing, retrieving, manipulating, conveying).

•Demonstrate an awareness of some of the hardware, software and

communication components used in ICT systems.

•Acquire knowledge of basic principles of technical drawing, sketching and use

of drafting equipment.

•Learn basic concepts of 2D animations, illustrations, medical transcription and

web application.

BTLE 105 Introduction to ICT 1 will cover the following lessons:

 Lesson 1: Chapter 1 – Introduction to Information and Communications

Technology (ICT)
 Lesson 2: Chapter 2 – Computers in our daily life
 Lesson 3: Chapter 3 – The internet and the World Wide Web
 Lesson 4: Chapter 4 – Information, control and privacy
 Lesson 5: Chapter 5 – IT, culture and the society
 Lesson 6: Chapter 6 – IT trends, issues and challenges
 Lesson 7: Chapter 7 – Introduction to AutoCAD
 Lesson 8: Chapter 8 – 2D animation
 Lesson 9: Chapter 9 – Medical Transcription
 Lesson 10: Chapter 10 – Web application
 Chapter 1
Introduction to Information and
Communications Technology (ICT)
 Learning Outcomes
•define ICT;
•trace the evolution of technology, particularly
computers;
•identify the different parts of the computer system,
and categorize the different computer peripherals;
•assess why computers are considered powerful
thinking machines;
•explain the role of technology in media and how it
affects communication; and
•recognize the current trends in information
technology.

Time Frame
3 weeks

Key Terms
ENIAC – Electronic Numeric Integrator and Calculator

ICT – Information and Communication Technology

Artificial intelligence – is defined as the science of making computers or

machines in general to do things that require intelligence when done by
humans.

Automation – is the technique of making an apparatus, a process, or a system to

operate automatically.
Information Technology (IT) – pertains to the industry that involves computers,
software, networking, and other IT infrastructure that help relay or manage
information deemed important in modern-day living.

Media – refers to communication devices. Communication devices are used in

interaction and /or communication.

Pre- test
Let us determine how much you already know about Information and Communication
Technology. Take this activity.

Using your own ideas, answer the following questions.

1. What is ICT?

2. How helpful are computers?

3. What type of computers have you encountered?

Lesson Proper

Information and Communications Technology: Overview

ICT, or information and communications technology (or technologies), is

the infrastructure and components that enable modern computing.

Although there is no single, universal definition of ICT, the term is generally

accepted to mean all devices, networking components, applications and
systems that combined allow people and organizations (i.e., businesses,
nonprofit agencies, governments and criminal enterprises) to interact in the
digital world.

IT vs. ICT

When do we use the term ICT and how does it differ from IT? ICT, or
information and communications technology, is often used in a more general
sense, and is described as using computers and other digital technologies to
assist individuals or institutions in handling or using information. ICT is technology
that supports activities involving information such as gathering, processing,
storing, and presenting data. Increasingly, these activities also involve
collaboration and communication.

IT, or information technology, pertains to the industry that involves

computers, software, networking, and other IT infrastructure to help relay or
manage information important in modern – day living as seen primarily in large
companies or corporations. Simply put, IT is a subset of ICT as the technology
used in the field of IT aids in the use of ICT (Wang, 2016).

Evolution of Technology: The Rise of the Computer age

The computer was born not for entertainment or email but out of a need
to solve a serious number-crunching crisis. By 1880, the U.S. population had
grown so large that it took more than seven years to tabulate the U.S. Census
results. The government sought a faster way to get the job done, giving rise to
punch-card based computers that took up entire rooms.

Today, we carry more computing power on our smartphones than was

available in these early models. The following brief history of computing is a
timeline of how computers evolved from their humble beginnings to the
machines of today that surf the Internet, play games and stream multimedia in
addition to crunching numbers.

Mechanical Computers

A mechanical computer is built from mechanical components such

as levers and gears, rather than electronic components. The most common
examples are adding machines and mechanical counters, which use the
turning of gears to increment output displays. More complex examples could
carry out multiplication and division and even differential analysis. One model in
the 1960s calculated square roots.

Fig.1.1 Mechanical computer

First – generation Computer (1946-1959)

The first electronic computer was developed in 1946. Designed by J.

Presper Eckert and John W. Mauchly from the University of Pennsylvania and
financed by the United States Army, the Electronic Numeric Integrator and
Calculator (ENIAC) is considered to be the first – generation computer, ENIAC
was a modular computer, composed of several panels capable of performing
different functions. However, it could store only limited or small amount of
information and only do arithmetic operations, such as addition and subtraction
of up to 10 digits. The computer was roughly 167 square meter in size and
weighed 27 tons.
 Fig1.2 computer in the 50’s

Second –generation Computer (1959-1965)

In this second generation, the transistor was used as the interior sections of
the computer. Transistors were much smaller, faster, and more dependable than
the vacuum tubes of the first – generation computer. They generated less heat
and consumed less electricity but were very costly.

Fig 1.3 2nd generation computer

Third – generation Computer (1965-1971)

In 1965, Jack Kilby invented the integrated circuit (IC) that was used
instead of transistors as the interior sections to build the computer. A single IC
has many transistors, resistors and capacitors that even the full circuit board of a
transistor can be replaced entirely with one chip. This chip made the computers
smaller, unfailing, and effective. In this third generation, remote processing, time
– sharing and multiprogramming operating system were used.

Fig1.4 3rd generation computer

Fourth – generation Computer (1971-1980)

From 1971 to 1980, very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits were used to
build computers. These circuits have about 5,000 transistors and other circuit
elements with their connected circuits connected on a single chip known as
the microprocessor. These fourth generation computers such as personal
computers became more powerful, dense, reliable, and inexpensive. The other
application of this microprocessor technology can be used and applied for
pocket calculators, television sets, automotive devices and audio and video
appliances.
 fig.1.5 4th generation computer

Fifth – generation Computer (1980 – onwards)

In this fifth generation, the VLSI technology has evolved into what is called
ultra large –scale integration (ULSI) technology, with the manufacture of
microprocessor chips having 10 million electronic components. This generation
involves computer intelligence which is associated with artificial intelligence (AI),
natural language, and expert systems that interpret the means and practices of
producing computers that think like human beings.

Fig1.6 5th generation computers

 Components of a Computer

What makes a computer work? By definition, a computer is an electronic

device that manipulates information or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve,
and process data. It contains both hardware component and software
applications. The hardware pertains to the computer’s physical devices. It is any
part of the computer that can be seen and touched. A computer’s hardware
consists of interrelated electronic devices that are used to manipulate the
computer’s operation, input devices, and output devices.

INPUT DEVICES

A computer will only respond when a command is given to the device.

These commands can be given using the input unit or the input devices.

For example: Using a keyboard we can type things on a Notepad and the
computer processes the entered data and then displays the output of the same
of the screen.

The data entered can be in the form of numbers, alphabet, images, etc.
We enter the information using an input device, the processing units convert it
into computer understandable languages and then the final output is received
by a human-understandable language.

•Keyboard – is the most common input device that accepts letters, numbers,
and commands from the user.

•Mouse – lets one select options from on-screen menus. A mouse is used by
moving it on a flat surface, pressing its two buttons (left and right), and scrolling
the wheel that is located between the buttons. There are also alternatives to
using a mouse. A trackball has a ball that can rotate using a finger or the palm
of a hand to move the pointer. A touchpad also called a trackpad is a touch-
sensitive pad that lets the user move the pointer by touching and dragging his
or her finger on the pad. Touchpads are commonly built-in on laptop
computers.

•Microphone – allows a user to speak into the computer to input data and
instructions. While there are available stand-alone microphones for computers,
most of the time, users buy a headset – a combination of microphone and
earphones – for the sake of practicality.

•Scanner – converts printed material (such as text and pictures) into a form the
computer can use. There are different types of scanners available; the most
common is the flatbed scanner. Scanners look like miniature printers with a flip-
up cover protecting the glass platen. They are often built into multi-function
printers (MFPs). Another type becoming common nowadays is the hand-held or
portable scanners. Portable scanners can be small enough to fit inside one’s
pocket. Pen scanners are just a bit bigger than fountain pens and can scan the
text of a document line by line. They do not give high-resolution scans and are
more expensive than flatbed scanners.

•Digital camera – allows one to take pictures then transfer the photographed
images to the computer or printer instead of storing the images on a traditional
film.

•PC video camera – is a digital video camera that enables users to create a
movie or take still photographs electronically. With the PC video camera
attached to the computer, user can see each other as they communicate via
the computer.

Fig. 1.7 Input devices

SYSTEM UNIT

The system unit is the enclosure composed of the main elements of a computer
that are used to administer data. This can be referred to as a computer case or tower.
The circuitry of the system unit containing the primary components of a computer with
connectors into which other circuit boards can be positioned is recognized as
motherboard.
 Fig. 1.7 Basic parts of a system unit

OUTPUT DEVICES

An output device is any hardware component that transmits information to one

or more people. The three commonly used output devices are as follows:

•Printer – produces text and graphics on a physical medium such as paper. The
two types of printer are the impact printer and the non-impact printer. An
impact printer makes contact with the paper by pressing an inked ribbon
against the paper using a hammer or pins. An example of an impact printer is
the dot-matrix printer. A non-impact printer does not use a striking device to
produce characters on the paper, and because it does not hammer against
the paper, the printer produces less noise. Examples of non-impact printers are
inkjet printers and laser printers.
 Fig. 1.8 ink jet printer

•Monitor – displays text, graphics, and videos on a screen. Many monitors look
similar to a television. The three types of monitor available in the market are the
following:

a. Cathode ray tube (CRT) – is a vacuum tube containing an electron gun at

one end and a fluorescent screen at anther end. From this electron gun, a
process called thermionic emission generates a strong beam of electrons. These
electrons travel through a narrow path within the tube with high speed using
various electromagnetic devices and finally strike the phosphor points present
on the fluorescent screen, thus creating an image. Monitors employ the CRT
technology used most commonly in the manufacturing of television screens. A
stream of intense high-energy electrons is used to from images on a fluorescent
screen.
 Fig. 1.9 CRT monitor

b. Liquid crystal display (LCD) – is a flat-panel display that consists of a layer of

color or monochrome pixels arranged schematically between a couple of
transparent electrodes and two polarizing filters. Optical effect is achieved by
polarizing the light in varied amounts and making it pass through the liquid
crystal layer.

Fig 1.10 LCD monitor

 Why Computers are Powerful?

Why Computers are Powerful

Computers are powerful for a variety of reasons. They work with

remarkable speed, reliability, consistency, and accuracy. Computers can store
large amounts of data and information. Also, computers allow users to
communicate with other users or computers. A user is anyone who
communicates and interacts with a computer or makes use of the information it
generates.

•Speed

In the system unit, operation gets done through electronic circuits. When
data, instructions, and information drift along these circuits, they travel at
incredibly fast speeds. Most computers bring out billions of operations in a single
second. The world’s fastest computer can perform trillions of operations in one
second.

•Reliability and consistency

The electronic components in modern computers are dependable

because they have a low failure rate. The high reliability of components enables
the computer to produce consistent results.

•Accuracy

Computers process large amounts of data and generate error – free

results, provided the data is inputted correctly and the instructions work
properly. If data is inaccurate, the resulting output is also incorrect. A computing
phrase known as garbage in, garbage out points that the accuracy of a
computer’s output depends on the accuracy of the input.

•Communication

It is unbearable to go through a day without communication.

Communication happens between two or more people sending and receiving
messages from one another. The one sending the message is referred to as the
sender while the one receiving the information is known as the receiver. The
message being transmitted can contains facts, thoughts, perceptions,
judgments, beliefs, attitudes, commands, and even reactions. For example, two
computers connected by communications devices, such as a modem, can
share stored data, instructions, and information. These two computers can be
located in the same room or thousands of miles away from each other in two
different countries.

Classifying Computers

Computers can be classified based on size and computing power.

However, as technology advances, these classifications tend to overlap as
modern computers have become smaller, yet more powerful, and relatively
cheaper.

The general classifications of computers are as follows:

•Personal computer – is a small, single – user computer based on a

microprocessor. In addition to the microprocessor, a personal computer has a
keyboard for entering data, a monitor for displaying information, and a storage
for saving data.

•Workstation – is a powerful, single – user computer. A workstation is like a

personal computer, but it has more powerful microprocessor and a higher
quality monitor.

•Minicomputer – is a multi – user computer capable of supporting from 10 to

hundreds of user simultaneously.

•Mainframe – is a powerful multi – user computer capable of supporting

hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously.

•Supercomputer – is an extremely fast computer that can perform millions of

instructions per second. Below is a picture of NASA’s Pleiades supercomputer
that has 245,536 CPU cores and a total memory of 935 TB.
•Desktop computers – are computers designed to be placed on a desk, and
are normally made up of a few different parts, including the computer case,
central processing unit (CPU), monitor, keyboard and mouse.

•Laptop computers – are battery powered computer devices whose portability

makes them possible to use almost anytime, anywhere.

•Tablet computers – are hand-held computers with touch sensitive screen for
typing and navigation.

•Smartphones – are hand-held telephone which can do things that computers

can do, including browsing and searching the internet and even playing
console games.

•Wearables – include fitness trackers and smartwatches that can be worn

throughout the day.

•Smart TVs – are the latest television sets that include applications present in
computers. For example, videos can be streamed from the internet directly onto
the TV. The TV can also be used as a computer monitor and gaming monitor

Evolution of Media

The media has transformed itself based on two things – (1) how
information is presented; and (2) how the connection is established? Woodcut
printing on cloth or on paper was used in the early 15th century. It was in 1436
when Johannes Gutenberg started working on a printing press which used relief
printing and a molding system. Now, the modern printing press delivers
messages in print, such as newspapers, textbooks, and magazines.

Print Media
Early news was presented to local populations through the print press.
While several colonies had printers and occasional newspapers, high literacy
rates combined with the desire for self-government made Boston a perfect
location for the creation of a newspaper, and the first continuous press was
started there in 1704.

Fig 1.11 early form of news paer

Radio
Radio news made its appearance in the 1920s. The National Broadcasting
Company (NBC) and the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) began running
sponsored news programs and radio dramas. Comedy programs, such as Amos
’n’ Andy, The Adventures of Gracie, and Easy Aces, also became popular
during the 1930s, as listeners were trying to find humor during the Depression. Talk
shows, religious shows, and educational programs followed, and by the late
1930s, game shows and quiz shows were added to the airwaves. Almost 83
percent of households (in the United States) had a radio by 1940, and most
tuned in regularly.
 Fig. 1.12 Radio Station in the 1920’s

Television
Television combined the best attributes of radio and pictures and
changed media forever. The first official broadcast in the United States was
President Franklin Roosevelt’s speech at the opening of the 1939 World’s Fair in
New York. The public did not immediately begin buying televisions, but
coverage of World War II changed their minds. CBS reported on war events and
included pictures and maps that enhanced the news for viewers. By the 1950s,
the price of television sets had dropped, more televisions stations were being
created, and advertisers were buying up spots.

Fig 1.14 the television

Computers
Decades ago, computers were large, clunky machines that were unable
to do much. Even simple calculations (by today's computing standards) would
take computers the size of closets a long time to complete. Oh, and forget
about using those original computers to play video games, browse the web, or
send an email.

Things are very different today. Now computers use the internet and
provide mass communication, or the exchange of information on a large scale.
Today, this means communication across the entire world at the speed of light.

When you turn on that desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, you almost
certainly use it for one or more of the following:

 To communicate with friends and family. Think: email, Twitter, Facebook, Skype, and so
on.
 To gather information via the news, a Google search, and so on.
 To learn something on Study.com or via a university video.
 To work (perhaps remotely while sitting in your jammies at home) when you've called in
sick or on a business trip abroad.
 To be entertained, whether it's on YouTube, Netflix, or somewhere else.

Overview of Current Trends

A trend refers to something hip or popular at a certain point in time. It can be

particular style in fashion, devices, or entertainment. A new trend may always
come along to replace the old one.

Technology trends tend to change as time goes by. Following Moore’s Law,
technology is bound to upgrade itself every two years. In 1965, Gordon Moore
predicted that the computing power would dramatically increase over time. But
as it increases, cost is expected to proportionally go down. Nowadays, the two-
year prediction has even decreased, with releases happening less than two
years, if not, yearly. Aside from cost, sizes of hardware have also decreased in
making devices, such as smartphones, more useful and dependable.

A few years ago, people would have a cellular phone, a digital camera, a
portable music player, and a laptop with them. They would use their phones to
text and make calls, the digital camera to take pictures, and the music player to
listen to music while doing their work on their laptop. Now, smartphone are
capable of doing the aforementioned activities and a lot more through
applications or “apps” made available online. The term smartphone was coined
as the cellular or mobile phone has now become smarter – it can run apps
which help people perform their day-to-day activities. Apps turn mobile devices
into miniature PCs capable of browsing the web, taking down notes, and
playing games, among others. By default, smartphones come installed with
basic apps such as making calls, sending text messages, playing music, and
managing schedules. As of 2017, Google Play has approximately 2.8 million
apps available for Android users, whereas Apple’s App Store is estimated to
have 2.2 million. These apps are not just limited to smartphones. They can be
used in other mobile devices including tablets and other recent trend wearable
devices.

In an article from Forbes.com, DeMers (2016) identifies seven major trends in

2017.

1. IoT and smart home technology

The so-called Internet of Things (IoT) has been trending since 2016. The vision of
IoT has evolved due to the convergence of multiple technologies, including
pervasive wireless communication, data analytics, machine learning, and use of
hardware technology such as sensors, microprocessors, and microcontrollers.
Controlling home appliances through a mobile phone such as switching the
lights on and off, setting the timer for the washing machine and controlling the
television to record shows that might be missed due to traffic is now possible.

2. Augmented reality and virtual reality

In 2016, the release of games such as Pokemon Go and the anticipated VR

headset, Oculus Rift, served as a turning point for AR and VR technology.
3. Machine learning

Also called artificial intelligence, having machines decide for you seems to be a
daunting task and would probably make you think of robots and talking
computers, similar to Iron Man’s Jarvis. However, with the recent release of
Apple’s iPhone X, it was not just the design that improved. The iOS’ intelligent
personal assistant, Siri, has also been upgraded with enhanced learning making
the use of iPhone more efficient. Its latest features include the following:

 Face ID – the owner’s face is the new password. It is more secure way to unlock
the phone and keep the data safe.
 A11 Bionic – is claimed to be the “most powerful and smartest chip ever in a
smartphones,” with a neural engine capable of up to 600 billion operations per
second. A neural engine, a type of artificial intelligence, enables computers to
learn from observations.
 Wireless charging – a cable is not needed to charge the device.
 iOS 11 – in the latest operating system, one can scan documents in the notes
app, edit live photos, and in the U.S., even pay friends in Messages. Siri can also
translate languages.
 Augmented Reality – is not just designed for fun. It is also meant for productivity
and efficiency. It allows one to navigate without looking at a map, visualize
industrial equipment and many others.

4. Automation

Through advance technology, it is now possible to automate previously human-

exclusive tasks. This is very much evident through wearable devices such as step
counters and heart rate monitors used by health-conscious individuals.
Information collected is automatically saved and stored in mobile devices for
analysis later on.

5. Big data

Big data is a term that describes large and complex volumes of data. But it is
now how much data an organization has it is what they do with it that matter.
Big data can be analyzed for insights which can help management make
better decisions and come up with more effective strategic plans. Waze is an
example of an app which uses big data. The app helps users determine traffic,
direction and route estimators, and notifies users with accidents alerts and road
hazards, among others.

6. Physical – digital integration

Majority of organizations nowadays are moving towards system automation. As

such, they identify their physical elements and create digital data for more
efficient operations and back-up. The concept of having a “paperless
company” in which transactions, reports and services are done using
automated systems is one such example. Not only is it deemed reliable but also
environmental-friendly.

7. Everything on demand

Due to the prevalence of network connectivity, it is possible to have information

on demand. Music, movies, and even drivers (e.g., Grab) are made available
through the apps in a smartphone.

Impact of ICT on Individuals, Organizations and Society

ICT brings both positive and negative effects to individuals, organizations

and society. It improves education, access to information, and security.
However, it limits personal interaction and physical activity and poses problems
to employment and security.

POSITIVE EFFECTS

Improves access to education

There are new ways of learning such as the use of learning management system
(LMS) which implements educational enhancements such as distance learning
and online tutorials, virtual reality, and interactive multimedia.

Access to information and communication

The internet is widely used in communication. Access to it is getting better as it

has become available in almost all places such as commercial establishments
and public spaces. New tools have been promoted such as VoIP phone, Instant
Messaging (IM), chat (e.g., FB Messenger, Google Hangouts, Yahoo! Messenger,
etc.), video chat (e.g., Skype, FB video chat, etc.) and email. In addition, ICT
has been maximized by most individuals nowadays for leisure and
entertainment such as watching movies, playing games, or even reading news
and articles, and for creating new relationships with people around the world.

Security

With the advancement that ICT brings, individuals and organizations can solve
any security problems. Examples of security measure on applications are: (1) the
use of encryption method to keep and protect data from any malicious
software; (2) the use of password/s for personal information protection; (30 the
development of physical security systems such as biometrics in a form of
fingerprint, facial recognition, iris (eye) recognition, and voice recognition.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS

Reduced personal interaction and physical activity

Because of virtual communication, ironically, people are less likely to talk to or

meet each other in person. And because of the comfort of working from home
and the entertainment that the internet offers (i.e., streaming movies, playing
online games, etc.) physical activity is reduced leading to health issues such as
obesity and heart disease.

Job loss or increase in unemployment

This can be considered as one of the worst effects of ICT.

 Multiple workers being replaced and reduced by a smaller number of employees

capable of doing the same volume of tasks.
 Shipping or freight services in which a certain amount is added to the operating costs for
the physical process of transporting commodities or goods.
 Automation through robots or machines replacing people in the assembly line.
Security

ICT brings not only improvement but also threat to security. Data or files must
always be kept secure and safe. The internet connection must always be
safeguarded from different attacks such as data modification, identity/IP
address spoofing, password-based attacks, denial-of-service, etc. computers
should also be protected from various forms of viruses and malware which are
released almost every day.

Ethical Issues in ICT

While some people apply ethical principles to the use of ICT, others simply
do not, hence the proliferation of cyber malpractices.

The following are some of the ethical issues in ICT.

1. Plagiarism

It is an act of theft in which a person copies another person’s ideas,

words, or writings, etc. and pass them off as his or her own. Those who
committed such action may lead to serious legal and ethical defilements.

2. Exploitation

It is an action in which one deals with a person dishonestly, unethically,

and dishonorably, in order to take advantage of the latter’s works and/or
resources. This leads to unlawful actions.

3. Libel

It can either be an insult, slur, or slander. Either written or spoken or even

through actions, it may lead to libel if the accusation is not true and without any
piece of evidence.

Software piracy: it refers to an act of installing or copying a software into the

computer in the absence of an end-user licensing agreement (EULA), and/or
producing a copy disregarding the
 Activity

Prepare a written report about how relevant ICT is to you as a/ an:

1. Student
2. Future Educator
3. Individual
 References
https://searchcio.techtarget.com/definition/ICT-information-and-communications-
technology-or-technologies

https://opentextbc.ca/computerstudies/chapter/classification-of-generations-of-
computers/

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/atd-baycollege-
americangovernment/chapter/the-evolution-of-the-media/

https://study.com/academy/lesson/the-computer-as-a-mass-communication-
tool.html#:~:text=The%20internet%2Dconnected%20computer%20has,Twitter%2C%20
email%2C%20or%20Zoom.