WELCOME
INTRODUCTION TO ICT
By: Emmanuel Ikekwere
Twitter: @IkeDemanuel
What changed?
Information & Communication Technology
The term Information Technology evolved in the 1970s. Its basic concept, however, can be traced to the World War II alliance of the military and industry in the development of electronics, computers, and information theory. After the 1940s, the military remained the major source of research and development funding for the expansion of automation to replace manpower with machine power.
Since the 1950s, five generations of computers have evolved. Each generation reflected a change to the hardware of decreased size but increased capabilities to control computer operations. The subject can be quite large, encompassing many fields and recently it has become popular to broaden the term to explicitly include the field of electronic communication so that people tend to use the abbreviation ICT (information and communications technology).
Brief history chart
Information
Information simply refers to the knowledge obtained from reading, investigation, study or research. Example of tools to transmit these information include telephone, television, radio and so on. Information is knowledge which helps us to fulfil our daily tasks.
Communication
Communication is simply an act of transmitting messages. It is also a process whereby information is exchanged between individuals using symbols, signs, or verbal interaction. Communication is essential in order to gain knowledge.
Technology
Technology refers to the use of scientific knowledge, experience and resources to create processes and products that fulfil human needs. Technology is vital for communication.
What then is ICT?
ICT is the technology required for information processing, in particular, the use of electronic computers, communication devices and software application to convert, store, protect, process, transmit and retrieve information from anywhere anytime.
Why should I consider ICT?
The world has gone pass the analogue age and so much digitized that no sphere of life is without the impact and influence of ICT revolution. The advent of computers brought the computerization of work processes and procedures in all spheres of human activity. We are currently experiencing a wave of digitization that has transformed the way institutions and organizational manage run their day to day activities.
In this 21st century ICT has been effectively and successfully integrated into production process, management process, governance, education, business, entertainment, security etc. ICT development in the 21st century has offered various means and channels of communicating ideas and experiences. Governments, individual groups and institutions are fast integrating Information and Communication Technology in their management system.
Impact of information & communication technology
Some Skills & competencies needed
in ICT
- Communication skills
- Problem solving
- Designing technical architecture
- Project management
- Organizational skills
- Digital marketing
- Understanding business practices, approaches, politics, and culture
- Thinking strategically
- Troubleshooting
- Microsoft windows
- Database skills
- Videoconferencing skills
- Deep Web knowledge
- Influencing and Persuading
- File Management
- Website Design skills
- Electronic Presentation skills
- Software installation
- E-mail Management skills
- Digital Cameras
What’s next?
Career Opportunities & job options in Information Technology
•Software Applications Developer
•Computer Systems Analyst
•Database Administrator
•Management Analyst
•Computer network architect
•Computer programmers
•Computer and information Systems
Mangers (IT managers)
•Information Security Analyst
•Web Developers
•Data Analyst
•Cyber security analyst
•Graphic designers
•IT consultants
•Network engineer
•Forensic computer analyst
•IT sales professional
•System analyst
•UX designers
•Web content manager
•IT technical support officer etc.
