Information and Communication Technology (ICT) As an Information Tool

By
Editorial Staff
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Information and Communication Technology (ICT) As an Information Tool

ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology. ICT refers to innovative technologies capable of providing coordinated,calculated,computerized and vertical access to information through telecommunications or communication systems. Practically, ICT is similar to Information Technology (IT), but focuses primarily on communication technologies. These includes the Internet, wireless networks, cell phones, and other communication channels.

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Undoubtably, ICT has transformed the traditional usage of data and information processing to digital computerization.The advent of computer operating systems and telecommunication technology has brought about changes in organization and structure.

The benefits of information and communication technology cannot be over emphasized as every creature both young and old, blind and deaf are aware of the efficacy of ICT.

BRIEF SOCIETAL IMPACTS OF  INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)

In the last few years, information and communication technologies created enviable channels/platform in the society with majority of the impact seen on new communication capabilities. For example, people can communicate in real-time without any hitch, also  with others in different countries using technologies such as social media incorporating instant messages via ICQ,Yahoo etc, voice over IP (VoIP), and video-conferencing.Social networking giants like Instagram,Pintrest,LinkedIn Facebook allow users from all over the country,Europe,Asia, all over the world to stay in contact and communicate between one another on a regular basis.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) As an Information Tool

Furthermore, in reality modern information and communication technologies have design a “global village,” in which people can communicate with others across the world as if they were living next door without any issue depending on the connectivity of their networks.

As a result of this, ICT is mostly studied in the context of how modern communication technologies affect society.

 Gadgets or Devices used in ICT 

There are vast numbers of Gadget used in ICT. In fact there are  too numerous and inexhaustible to mention. Some of them are discussed below.

Information transmission is the transfer of information from one source to a destination through voice and sound images ie microphone, camera, loudspeaker, telephone to cellular phone, MP3 players and many more.

Radio: This is an effective way of transmitting audio or voice information.  Information broadcast on radio reach out to thousands of audience at the same time in a different geographical location
Television: this is an effective method of transmitting information.  It combines the quality of audio together with visual.  It is therefore an audio-visual method of information transmission.
Computer: It is an electronic data processing machine used for transmission of textual and graphical information.
Satellite: This is an information transmission method through cables or wireless by the use of a satellite dishes
VSAT: This is advance telecom equipment for receiving digital broadcast VSAT for very small aperture terminal
Fax machine: It is an age-long method of transmitting textual and graphical message.  It consists of the features of photocopying with effective information transmission.
Telephone: Telephone is a telecommunication equipment or device used in transmitting sound across a distance.
GSM TECHNOLOGY: GSM stands for Global system of Mobile Communication.  It is an ICT telecommunication device.  It is the most popular mobile phone as the world today.  GSM
allows network operators to offer “roaming” services.  The word roaming is the ability of the customer to use their phone wherever they are at anytime (this has to do with the availability of Network) with GSM when you have a mobile phone with a line you can be connected to the whole world.
You can roam to another region or country and use the services of any Network operator
in that region that has roaming agreement with your GSM network operator.
Messages can be sent to another subscriber on the service, and an acknowledgement of receipt provided to the sender SMS can be used in a cell broadcast mode for sending messages.
Message can be stored in the SIM card for later retrieval.

Prominent GSM operators in Nigeria include

Globalcom (glo)
MTN-NIG
ECONET/V-MOBILE./CELTEL.ZAIN
NITEL/MTEL
MULTILINKS
VISAFONE
STARCOMMS
ETISALAT

√GSM  combines the feature of super voice quality and data transmission.  The advent of GSM technology has indeed turn the world into a global village .
Automated Teller Machine (ATM)
This is a type of retail banking Technology that has the capability to make enquiry on customer balances, interest and exchange rate, money transfer, withdrawal, deposit and account transfer.
One area where the application of information Technology has brought automation
to large number of people is in the banking sector.  Automated teller Machine is now located outside in almost all major banks. This Technology advancement has also caught up with Nigerians.  It is found in almost al Nigerian banks.  ATM are also found in the remote locations such as supermarkets, airports, and university campus.  ATM machines are operated through the use of ATM card. This is referred to as electronic banking.

  Advantages of Electronic  Banking   (E-Banking )

  1. It brings about faster services
  2. It increases trust and confidence in banking system
  3. It reduced the problem of uncleared cheque
  4. It  enhances the available of funds at a faster rate
  5. It makes the job of bankers less cumbersome

 

 Disadvantages  Electronic  Banking   (E-Banking )
√Insecurity
√Fraud
√Unemployment
√Virus attack
√Cost involves in setting up electronic banking is high
In conclusion, Information Technology (IT) is the application of computers and Telecommunication equipment for automatic processing of information.  Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is the combination of computers, communication equipments  (ie Telephone , Video etc) and other Technologies associated with automation.

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