INTRODUCTION TO

INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATIONS
TECHNOLOGY
 Information and Communications Technology:
An Overview
The concept of technology has evolved throughout the years.
As the rate of human progress continues to increase, society has
adapted in such way that technology no longer appeals to mechanical
or electrical systems alone. The term technology presently includes
advancements in communication and how information is handled,
thus enabling governments, organizations, industries, and ordinary
individuals to improve on their decision-making, business process,
and everyday living. The term information and communications
technology or ICT was defined in a study conducted by Zuppo (2012)
as “related to technologies that facilitate the transfer of information
and various types of electronically mediated communication.”
 Information and Communications Technology:
An Overview
However, this definition was considered too broad that Zuppo created ICT
hierarchy to identify key aspects such as ICT in education, business, and the
economic sector. These classifications, however, contains some degree of
commonality.
The need for devices, such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets, is
identified in all instances. This fact is perhaps due to the human need to “belong”.
According to Baumeister and Leary (1995), the “belongingness hypothesis” states
that people have a basic psychological need to feel closely connected to others,
and that caring, affectionate bonds from close relationships are a major part of
human behavior. This need can be fulfilled through the different modes of
communication, be it face-to-face, online, through voice, or simply through a text
message, manifested in the number of people with mobile devices such as
smartphones, tablets, and the latest technologies such as “wearable devices.”
 Information and Communications Technology:
An Overview
Nowadays, it is no longer surprising to find a person owning several
of these gadgets, which may not necessarily be for different
purposes. ICT is ubiquitous and access to it is relatively affordable
and somewhat effortless. This makes the demand much higher as
different sectors, industries, and organizations now also incorporate
ICT in their daily business process.
 Availability Access
Mobile Signal
Economic Crisis/Disease Management
Infrastructure
Development
Mobile Devices Phones, Tablets, Pagers, Others

Goods Produced/ Manufactured

Economic Related Services Figure 1.1

Sector
ICT Hierarchy
Digital Economy
by Colrain
ICT Metric
Skills and
Zuppo
Competencies
Education Device/Tools Phones, Tablets, Pagers,
Includes Computers
Pedagogies

Networks
Architecture
Business/ Support
IT System
Devices Phones, Tablets, Pagers, Others
 IT versus 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 computer 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 involved collaboration and
communication.
IT, or information technology, pertains to the industry that involves
computer, 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.
 BREAKDOWN OF ICT
ICT is made up of three words, namely information,
communications, and, technology.
• INFORMATION: refers to the knowledge obtained from
reading, investigation, study, or research. Some of the tools
that transmit information are the telephone, television, and
radio. Not to be confused with data, information is regarded
as processed data. Computers normally process data that are
later understood as information.
• Processed information is called knowledge. It helps fulfill
daily tasks.
 BREAKDOWN OF ICT
• COMMUNICATION: it is an act of transmitting messages. It is a
process in which information is exchanged between individuals
through verbal and non-verbal means.
• TECHNOLOGY: it has evolved in ways that improve people’s daily
activities. Technology has made communications much easier and
faster through telephones, fax machines, mobile devices, and the
internet. It has also made broadcasting of information, such news or
weather reports, more effective. Radio, televisions, satellites, and
Word Wide Web are powerful tools that can be used by individuals to
gather needed information to aid them in their office, school, or
house work, or in simple day-to-day activities.
 EVOLUTION OF TECHNOLOGY
The evolution of technology has always depended on one
thing: the human rationale. Humans tend to think of ways on how
to discharge tasks or workload, or do daily activities easily.
The concept of technology always starts with the basic
tool. In order to build house, one cannot simply use his/her own
two hands to cut wood and attach the wooden pieces together. A
hacksaw, hammer, and set of nails are needed to accomplish the
task. The concept of wheels has also made transportation much
easier, and enabled people to move several objects from one
place to another with ease.
 EVOLUTION OF TECHNOLOGY
By combining a set of tools, people have come up with
machines that can do the tasks faster and more efficiently. A
single wheel transportation tool has inspired the creation of a
machine capable of transporting, not just objects, but also
passengers. Thus, vehicles have nowadays become more of a
necessity rather than a form of luxury.
Another type of machine that is considered a necessity is
the computer. Computer is an electronic device, operating under
the control of instructions stored in its own memory, that can
data, manipulate the data according to specified rules, produce
results, and store results for future use.
 EVOLUTION OF TECHNOLOGY
However, as technology evolves, so do machines. Computers
nowadays, are no longer the same computers your parents must have
first used. Most machines, including computers, have evolved through
the process of automation.
Automation is defined as “the technique of making of an
apparatus, a process, or a system operate automatically.” It includes a
broad range of technologies of technologies normally connecting
computer systems to other systems, such as sensors, wireless
applications, expert systems, and system integrations, among others.
The integration is made in such a way that these interconnected
systems are capable of self-acting or self-regulations.
 EVOLUTION OF TECHNOLOGY
Automated systems can reduce the instances of errors, which are
usually caused by human-based decision and comprehension.
Production companies often use automation systems as part of
their business process as automation increases productivity and
lessens the time to market.
however, an automated system is not the same as an
intelligent system. It is far more complex and are capable of
learning. This is where the concept of artificial intelligence
comes in. One of the latest inventions in the automotive industry
is the intelligent car which is capable of driving and parking by
itself.
 HISTORY OF COMPUTER
With the evolution of technology, computers have taken a major
role in the last three decades. This is due to the fact that people
have become increasingly dependent on computers to do their
daily tasks in school, at work, or in their routines. What started
off as simply for research purposes, computers are now
designed to be more compact, more mobile, and more integrated
in people’s daily activities.
Computers have evolved based on the type of components
used in the design. At present, scientists and researchers have
identified five generations based on design, suitability, and
reliability.
 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. It 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 meters in size, and weighed 27
tons.
ENIAC Computer with John Mauchly in 1947.
 FIRST GENERATION COMPUTER (1946-1959)
Other popular First Generations Computers aside from
ENIAC are:

EDSAC in 1949
EDVAC in 1950

UNIVAC in 1951
CHARACTERISTICS OF 1ST GENERATION COMPUTER
• Used vacuum tubes for circuitry
• Electron emitting metal in vacuum tubes burned out easily
• Used magnetic drums for memory
• Were huge, slow, expensive, and many times undependable
• Were expensive to operate
• Were power hungry
• Generated a lot of heat which would make them malfunction
• Solved one problem at a time
• Used input based on punched cards
• Had their outputs displayed in print outs
• Used magnetic tapes
• Used machine language
• Had limited primary memory
• Were programming only in machine language
 SECOND GENERATION COMPUTER
(1959-1965)
In this second generation, 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
generate less heat and consumed less electricity but
were still very costly.
 SECOND GENERATION COMPUTER
(1959-1965)
Some examples of Second-Generation
Computers are:
• IBM-1401
• IBM-7000
• CDC 3000 series
• UNIVAC 1107
• IBM-7094
• MARK III
• Honeywell 400
CHARACTERISTICS OF 2nd GENERATION
COMPUTER
• Used transistors
• Faster and more reliable than first generation systems
• Were slightly smaller, cheaper, faster
• Generated heat though a little less
• Still relied on punch cards and printouts for input/output
• Allowed assembly and high-level languages
• Stored data in magnetic media
• Were still costly
• Needed air conditioning
• Introduced assembly language and operating system
software
 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.
 THIRD GENERATION COMPUTER
(1965-1971)
Some examples of Third-Generation Computers
are:
• The Scientific Data Systems Sigma 7 (1966) mainframe
• IBM-360 (1964)
• CDC 8600 Supercomputers (1969)
• IBM-360
• Personal Data Processor (PDP)
• IBM-370
CHARACTERISTICS OF 3rd
GENERATION COMPUTER
• Used ICs
• Used parallel processing
• Were slightly smaller, cheaper, faster
• Used motherboards
• Data was input using keyboards
• Output was visualized on the monitors
• Used operating systems, thus permitting
multitasking
• Simplified programming languages i.e. BASIC
 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 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, audio devices, and video appliances.
 FOURTH GENERATION COMPUTER
(1971-1980)
Some examples of Third-Generation Computers
are:
• Xerox Alto Computer (1973)
• IBM PC (1981)
• Apple Macintosh Computer (1984)
CHARACTERISTICS OF 4th
GENERATION COMPUTER
• Used CPUs which contained thousands of transistors
• Were much smaller and fitted on a desktops, laps and
palms
• Used a mouse
• Were used in networks
• Were cheap
• Had GUI
• Were very fast
• Register over 19 billion transistors in high-end
microprocessors (Compare with 2,300 in Intel 4004)
 FIFTH GENERATION COMPUTER
(1980-ONWARDS)
In this 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.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF 5th
GENERATION COMPUTER
• The larger goals in AI is to indulge devices to
• Understand natural language
• Recognize human speech
• See the world in three-dimensional perspective
• Play interactive games
• Implement expert input in medical and other complex
fields
• Exercise heuristic classification analysis
• Implement neural networks
 CHARACTERISTICS OF 5th
GENERATION COMPUTER
Ongoing AI projects:
• Virtual personal assistants e.g. Siri, Google Now
and Braina.
• Smart cars e.g. Tesla's autopilot cars and Google's
self-driving cars.
• News generation tools like Wordsmith are used by
Yahoo and Fox to generate news snippets.
• Computer Aided Diagnosis for detection of
cancer.
 COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER
COMPUTER- It is an electronic device
that manipulates information or data. It has
the ability to store, retrieve, and process
data. It contains also both hardware
components and software applications.
 COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER
HARDWARE- it 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.
 COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER
INPUT DEVICE- enter or send data or instructions
from the user or from another computer system on the
internet
OUTPUT DEVICE- is any hardware component that
transmits information to one or more people .
SYSTEM UNIT- is the enclosure composed of main
elements of a computer that are used to administer data.
STORAGE DEVICE- a hardware component that
holds program files and all related files when they are
not in use. It is also used for storing and keep data
permanently.
ADVANTAGES OF USING A
COMPUTER
RELIABILITY
SPEED &
CONSISTENCY

ACCURACY STORAGE

COMMUNICATIO
N
DISADVANTAGES OF USING A
COMPUTER

HEALTH VIOLATION
RISK OF PRIVACY

IMPACT ON
PUBLIC
LABOR
SAFETY FORCE
IMPACT ON
ENVIRONMENT
 CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPUTERS
PERSONAL COMPUTER: is a small, single-user computer
based on a microprocessor.
WORKSTATION/SERVER: is a powerful, single-user
computer, has ore powerful microprocessor and a higher quality
monitor than PC.
MINICOMPUTER OR EMBEDDED COMPUTER: is a
multi-user computer capable of supporting 10 to hundreds of
users simultaneously.
MAINFRAME: a powerful multi-user computer capable of
supporting a hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously.
SUPERCOMPUTER: is an extremely fast computer that can
perform millions of instruction per second.
 CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPUTERS
Computers are also categorized into several types due
to the introduction of mobile devices and the proliferation of
internet-capable devices. Specialized computers are now
classified according to specific uses. The different types of
computers are as follows:
• Desktop Computer
• Laptop Computer
• Tablet Computer
• Smartphones
• Wearables
• Smart TV
DIGITAL AGE, INFORMATION
AGE, AND COMPUTER AGE
 DIGITAL AGE, INFORMATION AGE,
AND COMPUTER AGE
Digital Age, Information Age, and
Computer Age, used interchangeably,
capture the ubiquitous nature of computing
and prolific use of technology in all aspects
of human activity such that digital
interaction is a defining characteristic of
human activity.
 DIGITAL AGE, INFORMATION AGE,
AND COMPUTER AGE
It is a period in human history characterized by
the shift from traditional industry to information
technology-based economy brought by
industrialization during the Industrial Revolution. The
definition of what digital means (or what information
means) continues to change over time as new
technologies, user devices, and methods of interaction
with other people and devices enter the domain of
research, development, and market launch.
 MEDIA IN DIGITAL MEDIA
Media normally refers to the means of
communication that uses unique tools to interconnect
among people. The forms of media includes
television, radio, cellular phones, and internet (which
involves the access and use of various social media
sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and
YouTube, among others). In the digital age, however,
media can be considered as the message, the
medium, and the messenger.
 MEDIA IN DIGITAL MEDIA
THE MESSAGE
Media is considered to be the message itself for
those who create and own the rights of content. The
forms of content can be user-generated or professionally-
produced. User-generated content (UGC) is a form of
content created and owned by the users of a system. UGC
has grown exponentially especially with the wide internet
coverage or easy WiFi access, increased social media
participation, and affordable smart devices.
 MEDIA IN DIGITAL MEDIA
Below are some examples of media tools used
especially by millennials to generate content:
• BLOG: is a combination of two words; web and
blog. It works the same way as pen and paper would
but privacy becomes irrelevant given that a blog post
can be seen by anyone online. A person who writes
blogs is called blogger.
Most recently, blogs have evolved into
microblogs and video blogs.
 MEDIA IN DIGITAL MEDIA
Microblogs have become popular due to the rise of
Tumblr and Twitter in which users instantly share limited
content or short messages. Now, with the increasing
number of YouTube viewers, people have explored
uploading their own videos ranging from their travels and
products reviews to any other random topics. Some
vloggers, YouTubers, or social media influencers even
make money based on the number of views they get and
on the products that feature in their video blogs.
 MEDIA IN DIGITAL MEDIA
THE MEDIUM
Medium refers to the tools used in sending a
message from the source to the destination.
Traditionally, for example, a professional send
messages to the audience, such as a news anchor
delivering the news on TV and or radio. However,
with the latest technologies, that so called social media
has become an avenue for information dissemination
even taking over news sites bringing the latest or up-
to-date content.
 MEDIA IN DIGITAL MEDIA
THE MESSENGER
The messenger is the one who delivers the message.
This is why broadcasters, for example, being the
messenger of news are called “media”. In the digital
space, however, does the “media” also refers to social
network users who create content themselves but are not
professional journalists. Hence, although the media can
be the message, the medium, and the messenger, in the
digital age, the demarcation lines between them are
somewhat blurry.
 EVOLUTION OF MEDIA
The media has transformed itself based on two
things;
• How information is presented
• 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.
 EVOLUTION OF MEDIA
In 1800s, the telegraph was developed followed
by the telephone which made the two-way
communication possible. Message sending and
receiving can now be done both ways simultaneously.
At the beginning of 1900s, the broadcasting and
recorded media were introduced. Radio and television
were used to send sound and video to homes and
offices through electromagnetic spectrum or radio
waves.
 EVOLUTION OF MEDIA
Audio (lower frequency band) or video
(high frequency band) content can be received
depending on the frequency used. Later on, a
combination of both audio and video information
made the audience’s viewing experience more
exciting. Films and movies became popular as
they catered to larger audiences.
 EVOLUTION OF MEDIA
As communication devices also evolved and
became pervasive, so did information distribution.
A photo taken using a smartphone can immediately
be uploaded and shared on Facebook, Twitter, or
Instagram. Community websites such as OLX.ph,
Lazada, Shoppee, Amazon, and eBay.com, let its
users buy and sell items online, thus eliminating the
need for going to physical stores.
 EVOLUTION OF MEDIA
In line with this development, the
audience, regardless of their profession can
now interact with one another and are no
longer disconnected. News sites can even
get new stories, for example from Twitter,
Facebook and other social media sites.
EVOLUTION OF MEDIA

This is a typical example of how

individuals can now deliver content to
everyone and connections are no longer
controlled by professionals.
 OVERVIEW OF CURRENT TRENDS
A trend refers to something hip or popular
at a certain point in time. It can be a 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.
 OVERVIEW OF CURRENT TRENDS
In an article from Forbes.com, DeMers (2016)
identified 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.
 OVERVIEW OF CURRENT
TRENDS
Controlling home appliances through mobile
phones, 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.
 OVERVIEW OF CURRENT
TRENDS
2. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
In 2016, the release of games such as
Pokemon Go and the anticipated VR
headsets, Oculus Rift, served as a turning
point for AR and VT Technology
 OVERVIEW OF CURRENT
TRENDS
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.
 OVERVIEW OF CURRENT
TRENDS
4. Automation
Through advanced 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 is collected
automatically, saved and stored in mobile
devices for analysis later on.
 OVERVIEW OF CURRENT
TRENDS
5. Big Data
Big data is a term that describes large and
complex volumes of data. But it is not how much
data an organization has it is what they do with it
that matters. 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 that uses big data.
 OVERVIEW OF CURRENT
TRENDS
6. Physical-Digital Integrations
Majority of organizations nowadays are
moving towards system automation. As such, they
identify their physical elements and create digital
data for more efficient operation 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.
 OVERVIEW OF CURRENT
TRENDS
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 in employment and security.
POSITIVE EFFECTS
• Improved 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.
 POSITIVE EFFECTS
•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, Chat (FB
Messenger, Hangouts, Yahoo Messenger, etc.) video
chat (e.g., Skype, FB video chat, etc.),
 POSITIVE EFFECTS
•Access to Information and
Communication
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.
 POSITIVE EFFECTS
•Security
With the advancement that ICT brings,
individuals and organizations can solve any
security measure on applications are: (1) the use
of encryption methods to keep and protect data
from any malicious software; (2) the use of
password for personal information protection;
and (3) the development of physical security
systems like biometrics in a
 POSITIVE EFFECTS
•Security
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, physical activity is reduced
leading to health issues such as obesity and heart
disease.
 NEGATIVE EFFECTS
•Job Loss or Increase in unemployment
This can be considered as one of the worst effect 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 physical process of
transporting commodities or goods.
• Automation through robots or machines replacing
people in the assembly line
 NEGATIVE EFFECTS
•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, 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
•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 hi or her
own. Those who committed such action may
lead to serious legal and ethical defilements.
 ETHICAL ISSUES IN ICT
•Exploitation
It is an act 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.
 ETHICAL ISSUES IN ICT
•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.
 ETHICAL ISSUES IN ICT
•Software Piracy
It refers to an act of installing or copying a
software into a computer in the absence of an
end-user licensing agreement (EULA), and/or
producing a copy disregarding the copyrights.