Lesson 1 : Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

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

the infrastructure and components that enable modern computing. Among the goals of IC
technologies, tools and systems is to improve the way humans create, process and
share data or information with each other. Another is to help them improve their abilities in numerous
areas, including business; education; medicine; real-world problem-solving; and even leisure activities
related to sports, music, and movies.
Components of Information and Communication Technology

As the name implies, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a mixture of Information
Technology and Communication Technology. Meaning, it comprises both hardware and software
elements of Information Technology along with Communication Technology elements such as the
Telegraph, Telephone and Television.

There are various elements in ICT such as,

1.Hardware: Which involves physical devices used to perform ICT operations, such as Computers,
Servers, and mobile phones.

2. Software: Includes system software elements such as operating systems, and applications like MS
Word, Excel and more.

3. Networks: Connectivity is the key component of ICT, this includes Internet, Local Area Networks,
and Wide Area Networks.

4. Media/Visual Elements: ICT propagates the distribution of text, images, videos and any other
medium through applications such as streaming platforms, and multimedia applications.

5. Data Management: Databases, Cloud management, and Data storage in general make up a big
part of Information and Communication Technology.

Benefits of Information and Communication Technology

1. Communication: Bridging Distances

Communication is at the heart of human interaction, and ICT has revolutionized it.
Messaging apps make staying connected with loved ones across the globe effortless.
Video conferencing tools enable seamless remote meetings for businesses and real-time
family sharing. Social media platforms offer spaces for networking, information sharing,
and staying updated on news and trends.
Example: WhatsApp alone has over 2 billion monthly active users, showcasing the
widespread adoption of messaging apps globally.

2. Education: Knowledge Anytime, Anywhere

ICT has transformed education, making it accessible worldwide. E-learning platforms
and online courses democratize learning. Educational apps provide interactive content
catering to diverse learning styles.
Digital libraries ensure easy access to a wealth of information, fostering a culture of
continuous learning.
 Statistic: The global e-learning market is expected to reach $375 billion by 2026,
emphasizing the growing importance of online education.

3. Healthcare: Remote Care for All

In healthcare, ICT enhances patient care and efficiency. Telemedicine and virtual
consultations offer medical advice from the comfort of homes. Health tracking apps and
wearables help monitor well-being, providing valuable data to healthcare professionals.
Electronic health records streamline management, ensuring secure and accessible
critical information.
Fact: During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth visits surged by 154%, highlighting
the increased reliance on virtual healthcare services.

4. Entertainment: Endless Choices at Your Fingertips

ICT revolutionizes entertainment (another point of 10 uses of ICT in daily life), offering
myriad options. Streaming services provide on-demand access to a vast library of music
and videos. Online gaming and virtual reality offer interactive and immersive
experiences. Digital art and creativity uses of ICT tools to empower individuals to express
themselves globally.
Statistic: As of 2021, Netflix had over 208 million subscribers worldwide, illustrating
the dominance of streaming services.

5. Work and Productivity: Redefining the Workplace

Remote work, enabled by ICT, has transformed collaboration. Tools allow seamless
communication across distances. Project management software streamlines workflow,
ensuring tasks are completed efficiently. Cloud computing revolutionizes data storage,
granting global access.
Fact: In 2020, the global enterprise collaboration market size was estimated at $47.2
billion, reflecting the increasing demand for collaborative uses of ICT tools.

6. Financial Management: Convenient and Secure Transactions

ICT has changed financial management, making transactions convenient and secure.
Online banking and digital transactions simplify financial processes. Budgeting apps aid
effective money management. Cryptocurrencies and blockchain introduce new
possibilities for secure financial transactions.
Statistic: The global digital payment market is projected to reach $154.1 billion by
2025, indicating the rising popularity of digital transactions.

7. Home Automation: Smart Living

Smart home devices enhance convenience and energy efficiency. From thermostats to
security cameras, they automate routine tasks. The Internet of Things (IoT) facilitates
interconnected homes, creating a seamless living experience.
Example: Smart thermostats can reduce energy bills by 10-23%, showcasing the
potential for cost savings through home automation.

8. Transportation: Navigating Efficiently

ICT plays a vital role in transportation improvement. Navigation apps provide real-
time traffic updates for efficient travel. Ride-sharing and car-sharing platforms offer
convenient alternatives. IoT in transportation improves logistics, ensuring the smooth
flow of goods and services.
Fact: Uber, a prominent ride-sharing platform, completed over 7 billion trips globally
in 2019, highlighting its widespread usage.
 9. Accessibility and Inclusivity: Empowering All
ICT breaks down barriers and promotes inclusivity. Assistive technologies empower
individuals with disabilities. ICT solutions contribute to creating an inclusive society
where everyone can access information and engage in activities without limitations.
Statistic: The global market for assistive technologies is projected to reach $26.9
billion by 2024, reflecting the growing demand for inclusive technologies.

10. Energy Efficiency and Smart Grids

Smart technologies powered by ICT contribute to energy efficiency. Smart grids
optimize energy distribution, reducing wastage and promoting a more sustainable use of
ICT resources. Through real-time monitoring and control, these grids enhance the
stability and reliability of energy systems while minimizing environmental impact.
Statistic: The global smart grid market is expected to reach $112.7 billion by 2026,
reflecting the increasing adoption of intelligent energy management systems.
Answer the following: c) Video games
d) Television
1. What does ICT stand for?
a) Information and Communication 8. Which of the following is a key
Technology advantage of ICT in communication?
b) Internet and Communication a) Increased time to send messages
Technology b) Faster communication and access to
c) Information and Computer Technology information
d) Integrated Communication Technology c) Limited connectivity
d) High costs
2. Which of the following is NOT a
component of ICT? 9. Which component of ICT deals with
a) Hardware physical devices like computers and
b) Software printers?
c) Network a) Hardware
d) Telephone b) Software
c) Networks
3. Which of the following is a benefit of d) Data
ICT in education?
a) Improved job opportunities 10. Which of the following is NOT a form
b) Increased access to learning resources of digital communication?
c) Reduced need for teachers a) Email
d) Higher costs for students b) Social media
c) Postal mail
4. Which of these is a type of ICT d) Video calls
hardware?
a) Word processor 11. Which sector benefits from ICT
b) Smartphone through e-governance services?
c) Cloud storage a) Agriculture
d) Video conferencing b) Education
c) Government
5. What is the role of software in an ICT d) Sports
system?
a) It stores data 12. Which of these is an example of a
b) It connects devices to the internet software used for word processing?
c) It processes and manages data a) Excel
d) It provides power to devices b) PowerPoint
c) Microsoft Word
6. Which of the following is an example of d) Adobe Photoshop
ICT used in business?
a) Email marketing 13. What is a major challenge of
b) Paper filing systems implementing ICT in developing
c) Handwritten letters countries?
d) Fax machines a) High costs of technology
b) Too many skilled workers
7. What is an example of ICT in c) Overabundance of internet access
healthcare? d) Availability of digital content
a) Digital advertising
b) Telemedicine
14. Which of the following is a benefit of c) Cloud
ICT in business management? d) Connection
a) Reduced customer engagement
b) Increased efficiency in operations 18. Which of these is a common use of
c) Decreased access to global markets ICT in education?
d) Lower employee productivity a) Physical textbooks only
b) Online courses and virtual classrooms
15. How does ICT improve healthcare c) Handwritten notes
services? d) Classroom discussions without
a) By reducing the number of doctors technology
needed
b) By providing remote consultations and 19. Which of the following technologies is
improving medical data management used for video conferencing?
c) By eliminating the need for hospitals a) Spreadsheet software
d) By only offering medication b) Video call software (Zoom, Microsoft
information Teams)
c) Antivirus software
16. Which of the following is an example d) Video game consoles
of a network in ICT?
a) A smartphone 20. How does ICT contribute to
b) A wireless router environmental sustainability?
c) A spreadsheet a) By reducing the use of physical
d) A computer program resources like paper
b) By increasing pollution
17. What does the “C” in ICT stand for? c) By consuming more electricity
a) Communication d) By encouraging more travel
b) Computer

True/False Questions:

1. The internet is an important tool in ICT for communication.

True / False

2. ICT can help improve business efficiency through digital marketing and e-commerce.
True / False

3. Software is the physical component of ICT systems.

True / False

4. ICT has no impact on the healthcare industry.

True / False

5. List at least three components of ICT.

6. How does ICT benefit businesses? Give two examples.

7. What are the advantages of using ICT in communication?

8. Explain one way ICT is used in the education sector.

9. Why is ICT important for government services and administration?