Module 1

Introduction to
Information and
Communications
Technology
At the end of the period, the students should be able to:

1.1.Define ICT
2.Recall how technology particularly computers, have evolved
throughout the years.
3.Identify the different parts of the computer system, and categorize
the different computer peripherals.
4.Assess why computers are considered powerful thinking machines
5.Explain the role of technology in media and how it affects
communication.
6.List the current trends in information technology
7.Identify the issues in ethics of ICT.
Technology
includes advancements in communication and how
information is handled, thus, enabling governments,
organizations,industries, and ordinary individuals to
improve on their decision-making, business processes,
and everyday living.
Information and communication
technology (ICT)
• according to Zuppo (2012)it is related to technologies that facilitate
the transfer of information and various types of electronically
mediated communication.
Figure 2.1 ICT Hierarchy by Colrain Zuppo
 IT vs ICT
Information Technology or IT pertains to the use of computers, software,
networks, and other technologies to store, process, transmit, and secure data.
It is a core component of modern organizations, driving efficiency, enabling
communication, and facilitating decision-making.This means that IT focuses on
technology for processing, storing, and securing information.

Information and Communication Technology or ICT refers to the technologies

and systems used to manage, process, and communicate information. It
integrates computing, telecommunications, and digital networks to enable the
creation, access, storage, transmission, and sharing of data. This means that ICT
is broader, and encompasses IT and technologies for communication, such as
telecommunication systems.
 Evolution of Technology
Computer
- an electronic device, operating under the control of
instructions stored in it's memory, that can accept data,
manipulate it, stores and produce the results.
 Evolution of Technology
Automation - the technique
of making an apparatus, a
process, or a system that
operate without any human
intervention

Blue capsule medicine pill automated production line

 History of Computer
First generation (1946-1959)
*vacuum tubes-controls electric current flow in high vacuum between
electrodes
Electronic Numeric Integrator and Calculator or ENIAC
-1st general purpose electronic computer designed by J. Presper Eckert and
John W. Mauchly and was financed by the US Army. It can perform
arithmetic operations up to 10 digits only and has limited storage. It was
roughly 167 m2 in size and weighs 27 tons. It's primary purpose is to
compute artillery firing tables.
-composed of more than 17,000 vacuum tubes, 70,000 resistors, 10,000
capacitors, 6,000 switches, and 1,500 relays,
 History of Computer
Second generation (1959-1965) -
-uses transistors
-computers generate less heat, and consume less electricity, but are very costly. Examples
are IBM 7090 and UNIVAC 110
Transistor- is a semiconductor device that controls an electrical current by amplifying or
switching electrical signals.

Third generation (1965-1971)

Integrated circuit(IC) -many transistors, resistors, capacitors, circuitry and other
electronic component in 1 board
Start of the usage of remote processing, time sharing, multi-programming OS. Examples
are IBM System/360 and PDP-8.
 History of Computer
Fourth generation computers (1971-1980)
Very large scale integration (VLSI) - up to 5,000 transistors and other electronic
components and circuits on a single chip was used
*Microchip or microprocessor
-mass production of personal computers for use in offices, schools, and homes.
Examples of 4th generation computers are Apple II, IBM PC and Intel 4004 (first
microprocessor)

Fifth generation computers(1980-today)

Ultra large scale integration(ULSI) - up to 10 million electronic components and circuits
on a single chip was used
* uses parallel processing and AI algorithms, natural language processing, voice
recognition, and machine learning, Integration with IoT (Internet of Things) and cloud
computing. and exploration of quantum computing for unprecedented computational
power.
Evolution of transistors
Components of a computer system
• hardware is “hard” or tangible or the physical part of the computer
system,
• software is the “soft” or the intangible part of the computer system.
Computer Hardware
• Peripherals. Devices that are connected to the “core” architecture
of the computer but it is not part of the core architecture.They are
added to the computer system to enhance it’s abilities or make it
more user friendly. These devices are used to input information and
instructions into a computer for storage or processing and to output
the processed data.
• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Memory
Input Devices
Output Devices
 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• A device that interprets and runs the commands that you give to the
computer.
• Also referred to as the processor.
• Examples: Intel Core i7 - 12700K and AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
 Memory
-is where information is stored and retrieved by the CPU.

2 types of memory
1. Primary Storage/Memory . The main memory, this is directly accessed by the CPU
for processing.
2. Secondary torage/Memory - This is used to store data permanently

There are two primary types of memory:

1. Random Access Memory (RAM): It is the main memory and allows you to
temporarily store commands and data.

2. Read Only Memory (ROM): It is the memory that retains its contents even after the
computer is turned off.
Types of Secondary Memory:
 Classifications of Computers
Supercomputer - extremely fast that can perform
millions of instructions per second
 Classifications of Computers
Mainframe
- a multi-user computer
capable of supporting
hundreds or even thousands
of users simultaneously
 Classifications of Computers
Minicomputer
- multi- user computer
capable of supporting 10 up
to hundreds of users
simultaneously
 Classifications of Computers
Microcomputer- single-user computer
 Why computers are so powerful?
a.Speed
b.Reliability and consistency
c.Accuracy
d.Communications/Connectivity
 Media in the Digital Age
media
- means of communication that uses unique tools to interconnect among people

The Message
- media is considered the mesage itself

User-generated content(UGC)
- a form of content created and owned by users f a system
*web log (blog)

The Medium
- tools used in sending a message from the source to the destination
 Evolution of Media
• 1436 - Johannes Gutenberg started working on a printing press which
used relief printing and molding system
• 1800s - telegraph and telephone
• 1900s - broadcasting and recorded media were introduced
 Major Trends in ICT
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) - AI-powered
tools are automating processes, enhancing decision-making, and
improving customer experiences.
• Cloud Computing and Edge Computing - Storing and accessing data
and applications over the internet; and processing data closer to the
source (e.g., IoT devices) to reduce latency and improve efficiency.
• 5G and Beyond - Offering ultra-fast internet, lower latency, and higher
bandwidth.
• Internet of Things (IoT) - Interconnected devices that collect and share
data via the internet.
• Cybersecurity and Privacy Enhancements - Growing concerns about
data breaches, ransomware attacks, and privacy violations.
• Big Data and Analytics - Massive amounts of data are being collected
from various sources (social media, IoT, business operations).
• Sustainable ICT and Green Technology - Efforts to reduce the
environmental impact of ICT.
• Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) - Enhancing digital
interactions through immersive experiences.
• Quantum Computing - Revolutionary computing that uses quantum
mechanics to solve complex problems.
• Digital Transformation - Organizations are adopting digital technologies
to enhance operations, customer experience, and innovation.
 Major Trends in ICT (cont...)
• Remote Work and Collaboration Tools - The pandemic accelerated remote
work adoption.
• E-Learning and EdTech - The rise of online learning platforms and digital
classrooms.
• Social Media and Content Creation - The evolution of platforms into AI-
driven ecosystems.
• Automation and Robotics - Automating repetitive tasks in industries like
manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.
• Digital Payment Systems - Cashless societies driven by digital wallets,
cryptocurrencies, and fintech innovations.
• Smart Cities - Integrating ICT to optimize urban living.
 Impact of ICT

Positive Impact:
• Healthcare & wellness advancements
• Education and learning process (EdTech)
• Environment protection & smart cities
• Equal opportunities

Negatice Impact
• Fake news & misinformation
• Social media’s impact on mental health
 Ethical Issues in ICT
• Privacy Issues
• Cybersecurity and Hacking
• Digital Divide
• Intellectual Property Rights
• Digital Manipulation
• Job Displacement
• Health and Well-being
• Ethical Use of AI and Automation
• Digital Rights and Freedom
• Environmental Impact
• Ethics in Research and Development
Addressing These Ethical Issues:
1. Governments need to enforce regulations like copyright laws.
2. Companies should prioritize transparency, data security, and ethical AI
development.
3. Educating users about their rights, online safety, and responsible
technology use.
4. Efforts to close the digital divide through affordable access and
education.

By addressing these ethical challenges, ICT can evolve to better serve

society while minimizing harm.
Educational Resources

Caoili-Tayuan, R., Eleazar, M. (2018). Living in the

Information Technology Era. C&E Publishing, Inc.